Happy Lunar New Year
Happy Lunar New Year
Year of the Cock!
(Traditional Chinese zodiac says “Year of the Rooster,” but we like our “gay” spin on it)
Other rooster/cock years include: …1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Its qualities include “trustworthiness, with a strong sense responsibility” (maybe a rooster, but definitely not a “cock”).
Mistakenly called “Chinese New Year,” Lunar New Year is celebrated throughout Asia by 20% of the world’s population. Revelers mark the New Year in the streets with firecrackers, crashing cymbals, and lion dances, the noise of which is believed to scare off the “Nian,” a mythical beast that attacks every New Year. (Unfortunately, all of America’s noise and fireworks this New Year didn’t scare off the “Trump” from attacking.)
Red is the auspicious color of Good Fortune! Streets, businesses, and homes are decorated with red lanterns, banners, and messages and people wear red clothing to welcome the New Year. (So get out your red shirts, undies, and jocks cuz we need all the Good Fortune we can get right now.)
At home, families gather for “reunion” dinners and elders ask the usual prying questions about marriage and when they can expect grandchildren. (We assume Asian LGBTs also pick this gathering to drop the “coming out” bomb, like their American counterparts at Thanksgiving.) Red envelopes of money are also exchanged to symbolize prosperity coming into their lives. Traditional dinner’s vary by region, but often include dumplings, symbolizing abundance and noodle dishes, for long life and happiness.
To find your Chinese zodiac animal and more Lunar New Year traditions:
