According to the lunar calendar, Jan. 29 will ring in the Year of the Snake. Many Asian countries will celebrate the lunar new year with festivities that say goodbye to the misfortunes of the old year and welcome good fortunes the New Year will bring.
A Chinese proverb says that all creations are reborn again on New Year’s Day. The lunar new year is a celebration of change. Everyone, whether you are of Asian heritage or not, is invited to celebrate this new beginning. To prepare you for the Year of the Snake, I have put together a few ideas to help you and your family prepare for the lunar new year:
- Clean your home and remove clutters. This will help positive energy (chi) flow through your space and wherever it is needed
- Place a bowl of oranges in the space where you spend most of your time or where you welcome visitors. Oranges symbolize wealth and good luck. Giving oranges to your guests is also a way to share your fortunes with others and wishing them prosperity for the new year
- Red envelopes are another popular gift and display items for the lunar new year. The color red represents energy, fortune and happiness. Writings on the front of the red envelope are usually wishes for the new year such as good health, good wealth or good grades for students. The red envelopes should be filled with dollar bills. Of course, the larger the dollar bill the better.
Last year, I celebrated the lunar new year with my tai chi friends. I gave them red envelopes to share my good fortunes and spread positive energy. While many Asian families will be returning home to celebrate with relatives, you can celebrate the lunar new year right here in Sussex County with neighbors, coworkers or strangers. After all, we all can use some positive energy and warm wishes for good health and good wealth.
On that note, I wish everyone a happy lunar new year. I have a lot of cleaning to do!
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