Today is the Lunar New Year, the start of the year of the ox!
In most of East Asia, including in the countries of China, Taiwan, South and North Korea, Japan and Vietnam as well as in Chinese diaspora communities throughout South East Asia, today is Lunar New Year's day. It is called lunar new year because unlike the regular calendar that we use, it is based on the phases of the moon rather than the sun for determining the months. In any case in the East Asian system, each new year also has an animal designated for it, that follow twelve year cycles. People born during a certain year are considered to have the characteristics of the animal for that year. 2021 is the year of the cow or ox, and people born in that year are stubborn and hard working, among other characteristics. In Japan and Korea the Western New Year, starting on January 1st, is also celebrated as the main 'business new year', while the lunar new year is a more traditional holiday. In China both new years are celebrated but lunar new year, also called Chinese New Year, is a big week long holiday.
See the articles below for more information:
Lunar New Year 2021: Ushering in the Year of the Ox
China’s stay-at-home Lunar New Year a welcome break from tradition for many
Chinese New Year was always about traveling to family. This year, traditions are at home.
Happy Lunar New Year!
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