Lunar new year in Different Asian Countries
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese Chunjie, Vietnamese Tet, Korean Solnal, and Tibetan Losar, is an important traditional festival celebrated in many parts of Asia to mark the beginning of a new year. It is also referred to as the Spring Festival because it typically falls between January 21 and February 20 to which is the first new moon and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, roughly fifteen days later. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in East and Southeast Asian cultures, a time of celebration and joy for all. It is an event that brings together communities and families with customs ranging from parades to feasts.
China
In China, where the holiday originated from thousands of years ago during the Shang dynasty (c.1600-1046 BC), it is usually marked with family reunions, vigorous cleaning of homes and other public spaces (a ritual believed to bring good luck), preparation of food such as spring rolls and dumplings (which are seen as symbols of wealth), dragon dances, firecrackers, lanterns lit up in various shapes and sizes (symbolizing good fortune and longevity) as well as exchanging gifts like coins wrapped in red paper for children or mandarin oranges for adults. Festivities typically last 15 days long. These activities are not only fun but also serve practical purposes; they remind people that change is inevitable and that they should embrace it with enthusiasm.
For Chinese people in particular, the Lunar New Year is seen as a time to start fresh by mending relationships with family members or former friends who have gone astray while paying respects to their ancestors by offering food at their gravesites or displaying family photos on altars.
Korea
Korean Lunar New Year celebrations mirror those found in China but have unique aspects such as Seollal – an occasion similar to Thanksgiving in America – which includes bowing towards elders who offer blessings for health and longevity before everyone tucks into a communal feast prepared from various dishes like tteokguk (rice cake soup).
Tibet
In Tibet Losar festival is one of their most important holidays that marks a new year according to the Tibetan calendar system which has 12 lunar months instead of 12 solar months used across other parts of Asia. Locals organize singing competitions called 'Lhamo' using ancient instruments like trumpets made out of conch shells while wearing traditional Tibetan clothing adorned with colored ribbons which represent good luck wishes for the upcoming year.
Vietnam
In Vietnam too, celebrating Tet Nguyen Dan (or Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is important as it marks an opportunity for families to reunite after a long year apart due to work or study commitments. During this period Vietnamese families flock to their ancestral home towns or villages where they visit their ancestors' tombs to pay respect and leave offerings such as fruits or incense sticks. Additionally there are other traditions such as decorating homes with kumquat plants symbolic of wealth since its wordplay suggests gold (“kim cuong”).
Did You Know?
The Lunar New Year is a very important holiday in Vietnam, and for Vinh, Elemental’s co-founder, it serves as a reminder of his heritage. Vinh and his co-founder Seth had a great partnership; they both recognized the importance of diversity and inclusion in their innovative business, Vinh’s idea of incorporating a ceramic lid to Elemental’s Artisan Tumbler. This is Vinh’s way of including his culture into the best innovative products. The ceramic lid definitely gives a nostalgic feel when you are at home drinking your coffee. We all know that coffee is a big part of Vietnam’s culture and they are one of the biggest producers and exporters of coffee.
Diversity in the team
The relationship and respect between the two founders also built up the best diverse team they have! Elemental is home to people with different nationalities, races, cultures, and backgrounds and that’s what makes them the most creative team with lots of new ideas coming from different places all over the world. This has no doubt contributed to the result of Elemental becoming one of the most successful minority-owned businesses, striving towards creating meaningful products with greater diversity in mind.
Unique Product Ideas
Furthermore, this open-mindedness has allowed them to think outside the box when creating products and services that meet their customers' needs. Particularly the recent success of the unique Iconic pop fidget water bottle. It was the first ever stainless steel insulated water bottle with fidget handles in the market and Elemental is very proud to have launched it! These milestones are what make Elemental’s diverse team of talents breakthrough. It is clear that Seth and Vinh’s shared appreciation of cultural differences has been an instrumental factor in Elemental’s success.
No matter how these cultures celebrate Lunar New Year differently, the joyous atmosphere created by having everyone together under one roof enjoying each other’s company after yet another successful cycle around the sun! No matter what countries around East Asia celebrate Lunar New Year, each of them has their own distinct flavor that makes each celebration a unique yet equally enjoyable experience for everyone who takes part! May this new year shower you with luck, love and prosperity!
