The Lunar New Year is happening on February 1 this year as we enter the Year of the Tiger. We don't know about you, but we will take all the fresh starts, good luck, and cleaning out the house, we can get this year, to make it better than the past two! In the Research Triangle, we are fortunate to have much diversity and our Asian communities, in addition to many others who prefer the lunar calendar, will be celebrating the New Year. It is a time to feast, honor ancestors, and wish each other luck and prosperity. There are so many traditions around this that are worth participating in that we are sharing, including great places to order in a celebratory menu! May you have luck and happiness in the Year of the Tiger!
About the Year of the Tiger
The Tiger is the king of all beasts in China and those born 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and2022 are said to be known for bravery, confidence and strength. They are often strong-willed, opinionated and stubborn. It is a Water Tiger year, which also corresponds with the elements, and we have not had a water tiger moon in over 60 years. The festival corresponds with the New Moon in February occurring on the 1st.
Home Traditions for Good Luck
Over 2 billion people worldwide celebrate the lunar new year with various traditions. The greeting to give is wishing your loved ones prosperity and luck in the New Year and sharing an orange. Here are more of our favorites that also add to curb appeal of a home and general good luck!
Spend time with Family
This is the most important tradition of the Lunar New Year, and while we have been distancing and should still practice proper precautions, small gatherings of well wishing and good food, are still an option. It is a time in Asia when you also honor ancestors in temples, so this does play a role in the celebrations.
Seeing Red
Decorate your home with the color red, which is for prosperity. Wearing red, adding a lantern or two, and pops of this color around a home also are excellent for curb appeal. No need to completely deck the halls and hang your own dragons, but added red around the home is auspicious.
Red Envelopes
One of the most beloved traditions of the Lunar New Year are red envelopes filled with gifts and money.
Called Lai See people share these red envelopes filled with money. Who does not like a bit of extra cash in the new year! In Tibet, Children bring Losar to elders, which are baskets filled with traditional foods, a refreshing tradition where the children honor the elders, unlike much of Western tradition.
Deep Cleaning
As Realtors, who are always espousing the virtues of less clutter and clean homes prior to sale, we fully recommend this tradition anytime! Prior to the celebration, completely clean your home and be sure not to use a broom on the New Year, or risk sweeping out the good luck.
Dancing and Festivals
What festival is not complete without pyrotechnics and partying? Lantern festivals, fireworks, and traditional dances are part of the festival, which we have noted events in your area below.
Water Tiger Triangle Events
The NC TACAS New Year Celebration is usually in person, but due to current events, it is virtual. However, you do have the best seat in the house and can enjoy take away below while watching the traditional dances and music from 2-5pm. Just head to their Youtube Channel.
The 2022 Virtual NC TACAS Chinese New Year Festival takes place Saturday, January 29th, 2022, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Lunar New Year activity for kids in grades 6-10
Monday, January 31, 2022
4:00 pm to 4:45 pm | Village Regional Library
Lunar New Year activity for kids in grades K-5
Monday, January 31, 2022
5:00 pm to 5:45 pm | FREE | West Regional Library (Cary)
Ben and Jerry's Chinese New Year Celebration
Leave it to Ben and Jerrys to offer free almond cookies and ice cream for the New Year!
Tue, Feb 1
2:00 PM, Ben & Jerry's Raleigh, NC
Panda Express hands out Red Envelopes with special coupons, for the Lunar New Year
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Lunar New Year Celebration and Market
Saturday, February 5, 2022
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Big Boss Brewing, Raleigh
Lunar New Year Pop-up Performance by East Cloud Kungfu at NC Museum of Art
Saturday, February 5
4:00 pm North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh
Year of the Tiger Feasts
Traditional Dining at home includes steamed whole fish, Longevity noodles, dumplings, and oranges. Here is a great menu for cook at home Lunar New Year from The New York Times, but if you are less ambitious, here are some great restaurants that you can order from.
DimSum Asian Bistro For Dumplings in Greenwood Commons
G58 Cuisine For Peking Duck in Morrisville
Pengs Szechuan in Morrisville
Ginger Asian Cuisine Top Rated in Cary
Chengdu 7 Sichuan Cuisine Cary
Szechuan Mansion Hotpot, Hotpot, Cary
Mr. Dumpling, Dumplings, Apex
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