On February 23rd, Mathis Home partnered with EPOCH Times in Irvine, California and had the honor of hosting a Lunar Lantern Festival Celebration! Food was offered to all guests who attended that included vegetable egg rolls, chicken wontons, fortune cookies, mochi, pineapple cake, and sweet egg rolls. The celebration was lively and even included a VIP Feng Shui event with champagne for of age guests. Hosting such an incredible celebration allowed guests of all ages to come to Mathis Home and either learn more about the Lunar New Year or celebrate a tradition with which they may have been already well-acquainted.

Today, we're diving deep into the thrilling customs and festivities of Lunar New Year, often referred to as Chinese New Year. We'll showcase the imagery from our hosted event and also take a deeper dive into the history and traditions behind Lunar New Year. From the lively parades to the mouth-watering cuisine, Lunar New Year is a beacon of joy and renewal for millions across the globe. We'll delve into the Zodiac's role in these celebrations and explore how different cultures commemorate this special time.

So, join us on this cultural adventure as we reveal the marvels of Lunar New Year!

Also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, Lunar New Year holds a significant place in numerous Asian societies. This jubilant celebration is governed by the lunar calendar, which is influenced by the moon's cycles.

The inception of Lunar New Year dates back thousands of years to China's Shang Dynasty and has been celebrated annually ever since. Although commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, it's celebrated in various countries and regions with Chinese communities, each adding their unique flavor to the celebration.

Regardless of location, the essence remains the same -- bidding adieu to the old year and welcoming a prosperous new one with open arms.

Celebrated by millions globally, the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is an explosion of color, tradition, and symbolism. Each aspect of Lunar New Year carries regional variations, deep-rooted customs, and rich cultural significance.

For instance, China showcases lion and dragon dances on the streets, while South Korea enjoys games like yut-nori. The festival also serves as a time to pay respects to ancestor and honor the gods.

Symbolism is deeply ingrained in the celebrations with red symbolizing good luck and happiness, and gold signifying wealth and prosperity. The zodiac animals also have symbolic meanings and are believed to influence the year ahead. This fantastic festival is a time of joy, unity, and cultural pride.

Food plays a significant role in the festivities, with families gathering to prepare and enjoy special meals believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. A reunion dinner on New Year's Eve is considered the most important meal of the year. Some of the dishes served include dumplings, fish, noodles, spring rolls, and rice cakes, each with their own meanings and symbolism.

During this time, various activities and events take place to commemorate Lunar New Year, including dragon and lion dances and firecracker displays to scare away evil spirits. Celebrate the Lantern Festival by lighting the lanterns on the first full moon of the year to bring hope and wish for a peaceful and fulfilling year.

Red dominates the decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Cleaning and decorating the house with red lanterns, couplets, and other symbols of good luck and prosperity. Giving red envelopes containing money to children, relatives, and friends, is a way of wishing them happiness and fortune.

While it's most prominently observed in China, many other countries and communities also partake in the festivities. Lunar New Year is celebrated in different countries, the unique customs and traditions associated with it influence global culture.

Lunar New Year has become a time for people of various backgrounds to learn about and appreciate Chinese culture and traditions. Lunar New Year is a rich and colorful festival that reflects the diversity and history of the Asian cultures that celebrate it.

Traditions can vary based on regional and personal practices. But no matter where you are in the world, Lunar New Year can bring people together in celebration, spreading joy, and promoting cultural exchange.

It is a time to honor the past, enjoy the present, and look forward to the future. Happy Lunar New Year!

Mathis had an exceptional time hosting our Lunar New Lantern Festival event. We hope with this article that you were able to learn something new about Chinese New Year or that you even had the opportunity to join us this past February to celebrate in person.

If you are interested in learning more about any upcoming events that Mathis Home will be hosting in our California or Oklahoma locations, check into our Events page for updates and details!