The Lunar New Year arrives on January 22 this year and brings forth the Year of the Rabbit! Rather than occurring on a specific date, the Lunar New Year falls annually on the second new moon following the winter solstice. You might notice that in the United States, the new moon this month is on January 21st, not the 22nd. That’s because the Lunar New Year occurs on the new moon in Asia – East Asia, more specifically.
This festival is also often called Chinese New Year, though China is not the only country to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Around the world, millions of people celebrate this holiday – including those in the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States!
Why is this year the Year of the Rabbit? The animal designations of the year follows the Chinese zodiac calendar, and runs on a 12-year cycle. The animals of the zodiac are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar.
In Chinese culture, the rabbit is considered to be the most auspicious of the zodiac animals. Those born under the Year of the Rabbit are said to be level-headed and peaceful; they are incredibly talented and detail-oriented. A bit of a sensitive soul, they are very affectionate and value close relationships. Year of the Rabbit babies are most compatible with those born during the Year of the Sheep. For more information check out The Old Farmer’s Almanac!
Lunar New Year Celebrations
The Lunar New Year does not belong to a closed practice so anyone can celebrate! The important thing to remember is to always be respectful and courteous when celebrating from a culture that may be outside your own. Never be afraid to ask questions if you’re not sure about something!
Red is considered to be a lucky color and lanterns are hung by the hundreds to ward off the darkness of winter. Hang these red paper lanterns around your house with fairy lights or tea lights to decorate for the holiday! For a fire-free/electricity-free version for the littles in your life, try these Chinese lantern sun catchers!
You can also make these longevity noodles and Chinese dumplings to eat with your loved ones for good luck in the coming year and long, happy life.
Many major cities around the country also host parades, parties, and large-scale celebrations to ring in the new year!
Happening at EVPL
- Lunar New Year Activity Packs: Available at EVPL North Park while supplies last
- Lunar New Year Movie: 4:00 pm on Thursday, January 19 at EVPL West
- Family Storytime: Celebrate Lunar New Year: 10:00 am on Saturday, January 21 at EVPL McCollough
- Lunar New Year: Lantern Crafts: 3:30 pm on Monday, January 23 at EVPL Central
What Year Were You Born In?
RAT: 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
OX: 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
TIGER: 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
RABBIT: 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
DRAGON: 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
SNAKE: 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
HORSE: 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
SHEEP: 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
MONKEY: 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
ROOSTER: 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
DOG: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
BOAR: 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
EMMA KUMER/RD.COM
Check Out These EVPL Materials on the Lunar New Year!
- Lunar New Year by Betsy Rathburn
- Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade by Lyla Lee
- Chloe’s Lunar New Year by Lily LaMotte
- Tray of Togetherness by Flo Leung
- A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling
- Celebrate With Me!: Recipes, Crafts, and Holiday Fun from Around the World edited by Laura Gladwin
- The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao
