World Festive

Lunar New Year

China & East Asia · January–February · new moon

Dumplings for prosperity Families fold pork-and-chive potstickers together, their ingot shape a wish for wealth — the more you make, the more the year will bring.

The tradition
The most important holiday of the Chinese calendar reunites families for the new year, sweeping out the old and welcoming luck and prosperity.
Customs & rituals
Homes are cleaned and hung with red; the reunion dinner gathers every generation; red envelopes pass to children and lanterns close the season.
What people wear
New clothes in lucky red and gold, never anything white or black.

On the table

1 recipe to cook for Lunar New Year.

Plan a Lunar New Year party →