Since it was recently Lunar New Years, we should learn about how it came to be – as well as some traditions people celebrate around this time! There are 12 zodiac animals that rotate through the years; 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit.

The 12 zodiac animals were given their spots on the calendar from a race. The story goes a little like this: In China, long ago, the Jade Emperor decided that there should be a way to measure time. On his birthday, he decided that there would be a swimming race between all of the animals. The first twelve animals who reached across the fast flowing river would be the winners and would have a year of the zodiac named after them.  

The twelve animals in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

After 12 years, the cycle would repeat. 

The Rabbit this year symbolizes mercy, elegance, and beauty. In the Vietnamese zodiac, the cat replaces the rabbit on the calendar. 

Before Lunar New Years, every family cleans out the house. This is to sweep away the bad luck from the previous year and bring in good luck for the new. 

Red is considered the color of luck. This is why red is seen everywhere during this time of the year. From decorations to our traditional clothes, you can find the color red. When visiting relatives, red outfits are worn to exchange blessings and gifts. During these visits, elderly people and adults give children red envelopes with money in them to symbolize that bad luck is being driven off and good fortune is passed on. 

All in all, Lunar New Year is a very important holiday to many cultures. It’s a way to bring families together and to celebrate the new year with good luck!