Ring within the 12 months of the Snake with firecrackers, lion dances, recent oranges, pink envelopes and extra! This 12 months, the Lunar New 12 months calendar begins on Wednesday, January 29 and in Asian international locations internationally — together with China and Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Macau, and Mauritius — meaning 15 days of celebrations, ceremonies, and visiting of household and mates.
Why the snake? Very like our Gregorian calendar, the lunar calendar options 12 zodiac indicators, however as a substitute of symbols from Greek mythology and astrology, the Chinese language zodiac symbols are of animals, every with their very own strengths and weaknesses. Folks born within the 12 months of the Snake are stated to have traits of knowledge, instinct and caring, and to be clever and good problem-solvers. These embrace folks born in 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, and 1941.
If you wish to do some celebrating of your individual to welcome the 12 months of the Snake, we’ve obtained you coated: Right here is a few Lunar New 12 months 101 information and our suggestions for the place you need to store, eat, and go to take part within the enjoyable.
Symbols and Traditions
Crimson is a standard colour throughout Lunar New 12 months celebrations, showing in decorations, clothes, and extra as methods to ask luck, prosperity, and happiness into the house for the brand new 12 months.
In Chinese language tradition, vivid colours corresponding to gold, orange, and purple are additionally worn to scare away evil spirits and unhealthy fortune for the approaching new 12 months. Gold represents wealth and luck. As the brand new 12 months is a springtime vacation, the intense colours and new clothes additionally signify rebirth – new beginnings. Inexperienced represents springtime and flowers. Properties and shops are adorned with sprigs of plum blossom, narcissus, and sunflowers, in addition to sticks of bamboo and leafy bunches of kumquats and oranges. These blooms and fruits symbolize luck and life.
How a colour or different symbolic merchandise sounds when spoken in Mandarin or Cantonese additionally performs an element in how fortunate it’s. For instance, “pink” is spoken as “hong,” which sounds just like the phrase for “affluent.” Good luck numbers embrace six and eight, however NOT 4, because the sound for “4” sounds just like the sound for “demise.”
The Lion Dance is probably essentially the most seen and entertaining a part of Chinese language New 12 months celebrations in America. It’s a ritual executed not simply throughout new 12 months celebrations but in addition throughout the grand openings of latest companies and celebrations like weddings and festivals as a way to beat back evil spirits and convey prosperity to the brand new endeavor.
As with the Philadelphia Suns, lion dance teams are additionally a possibility to offer academic, athletic, and cultural help for native youth.
In Vietnamese tradition, numerous vegetation and fruits are widespread symbols of development, peace, luck, and happiness for the Lunar New 12 months, or Tết. Particular symbols usually rely upon which area folks reside in – however fruits like oranges or pomelos can function an indication of prosperity, whereas issues like peach blossoms or cherry bushes can sign luck.
Vietnamese traditions vary extensively as properly. “Xông Đất,” or The First Customer of the 12 months, facilities on the assumption that the primary customer into the home throughout the New 12 months will affect the fortune and destiny of the brand new 12 months. This usually includes inviting choose friends with good character, morals, and success into the home first to make sure luck for the brand new 12 months. One other widespread custom is Lì Xì, or pink envelopes. Usually, elders give these envelopes to younger youngsters and adults to sign success and luck within the 12 months forward.
Meals can be symbolic for the Vietnamese Lunar New 12 months. Within the North, Banh Chung, a sticky rice cake with banana leaves, is often the most well-liked dish. In Central Vietnam, the savory Bánh Tét cake with rice and inexperienced beans is usually used to have fun the brand new 12 months. Thịt Kho Tàu – a pork and egg dish – may be very widespread in South Vietnam.
In Japanese tradition, Lunar New 12 months celebrations will not be as widespread right here as in different international locations. Japan has since aligned its practices with the trendy New 12 months. These celebrations embrace traditions corresponding to “Osouji,” or home cleansing, previous to the brand new 12 months, visiting “hatsumode” shrines and temples to wish for luck, and “osechi-ryori” dishes, that are aesthetically organized dishes with symbolic that means. Numerous locations all through the nation nonetheless have fun the Lunar New 12 months, with festivals together with lion and dragon dances, lanterns, costumes, and musical parades and performances.
In Korean tradition, Lunar New 12 months, or Seollal, there are numerous symbolic traditions, symbols, and cultural practices as properly. Sebae is a vital Korean custom that includes kneeling on the bottom and bowing deeply. That is usually executed whereas sporting hanbok, or conventional Korean garments, and is usually executed by youthful folks to their elders to indicate respect. One other custom is charye, which includes setting out meals in entrance of a household’s ancestral tablets to indicate respect to their ancestors.
Throughout this time, exchanging items, together with well being merchandise, fruit, or cash are seen as indicators of fine luck, fortune, and prosperity. Moreover, kite flying, or yeonnalligi, is symbolic of letting go of previous worries. Mandu, or Korean dumplings, are additionally widespread to make and eat throughout this time.
Different international locations, corresponding to Malaysia, maintain Lunar New 12 months celebrations as properly, the place festivities final 15 days. On the ninth day of festivities, Pai Thnee Kong (in Penang) or Thnee Kong Sei (in Hokkien) concentrate on making choices – together with issues like fruit or flowers – to the Jade Emperor. On the ultimate day of celebrations, residents additionally enhance their homes with vivid gentle shows (Chap Goh Mei).
The pink envelope custom, lion dances, and conventional Chinese language New 12 months meals are featured in Lunar New 12 months celebrations throughout Asia and the world. Particular traditions, symbols, and customs are sometimes totally depending on the area of celebration and household custom.
What to do and see
Parades, particular dinners, cooking workshops, festivals, and extra are scheduled throughout Philly and its suburbs over the following two weeks. Go to Philly has an inventory of a few of the large ones, and we go additional with extra neighborhood occasions beneath to take a look at.
This listing continues to be growing, and we are going to replace/add extra gadgets as we uncover them.
Full Lion Dance schedule for the Philadelphia Suns
Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan. 28-29: Chinatown Lunar New 12 months Midnight Parade
Welcome the 12 months of the Snake with fellow Philadelphians, full with lion dancing, firecrackers, and music! Begins at 10 p.m. and continues by means of midnight. One other parade can be held throughout the day on Sunday, Feb. 2.
Jan. 29 to Feb. 1: 12 months of the Wooden Snake Dinner at Kampar
Expertise a four-course tasting menu primarily based on Chinese language-Malaysian meals traditions at Kampar. $138 + tax and drinks for the 4-course menu, together with an 18-ingredient “prosperity salad” and 9-layer seafood and meat “poon choy” dish.
Friday, Jan. 31: Asian American Research Educate-in
Dr. Sonya Chen discusses policing, prisons, and Asian American solidarity at this teach-in at Ginger Arts Heart from 1 to three p.m. Questions being answered embrace how Asian People match into nationwide conversations in regards to the position of police and prisons in society, and what it seems prefer to re-orient Asian American politics in direction of visions of security and justice.
Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 23: Dumpling Workshop
Get pleasure from culinary arts and an “revolutionary therapeutic leisure service” by means of numerous dumpling-making workshops with the Dumpling Academy. The occasion is primarily geared towards seniors,the intellectually disabled, individuals who undergo from psychological sickness, and youngsters, household and company groups. $125 + tax, with a number of choices together with weekday evenings and weekend nights and evenings.
Saturday, Feb. 1: Numerous workshops and celebrations
- The Style District can be internet hosting its Lunar New 12 months Celebration from 12 to 2 p.m. at its Market Road entrance. The occasion will embrace youngsters crafts, unique procuring provides, and a parade by the Philly Suns starting at 1p.m.
- Be part of one other Lunar New 12 months celebration on the Rail Park from 1 to 4 p.m. The occasion will function family-friendly actions and sources, performances and parades and numerous retailers together with a flower market and “Bao Bar.”
- The Philadelphia Chinatown Improvement Company will supply a number of occasions on Feb. 1. This features a Calligraphy Workshop, Wushu (Chinese language martial arts) Workshop, and Mahjong Social and Guzheng (conventional Chinese language music) Workshop. Occasions are various costs and tickets may be discovered on the PCDC’s web site.
- Franklin Sq. Park will additionally host a Lunar New 12 months Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. This may embrace crafts, pink envelope giveaways, and a free dumpling workshop.
- Dilworth Park may also host a Lunar New 12 months celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. This may embrace crafts and calligraphy actions, and numerous opera, dance, and festive performances.
Sunday, Feb. 2: Numerous workshops and occasions
Monday, Feb. 3: A Evening to Help Chinatown, that includes James Beard winner and activist Grace Younger, is at present bought out, however the On-line Public sale portion can be open to the general public and proceed to fundraise for Asian People United whereas auctioning off distinctive experiences and one-of-a-kind prizes from companies within the RICE Coalition and past.
Wednesday, Feb. 5: Style of Chinatown at Crane Group Heart
Friday, Feb. 7: PCDC Tangyuan Workshop
Get pleasure from a standard Chinese language dessert-making workshop from 6:30 to eight p.m. on the Crane Group Heart. For $20, you possibly can discover ways to make the Chinese language rice balls which can be served in sizzling broth or syrup.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Thursday, Feb. 13: From 6 to 7:30 p.m., be part of the youth-led Ginger Arts Heart for his or her fundraiser supporting Philadelphia’s Chinatown. The occasion will function lion dances and performers, Chinatown eateries, neighborhood audio system, raffles, and extra.
By way of Monday, Feb. 17: Lunar New 12 months on the Comcast Heart Campus will function a Philadelphia Suns lion dance efficiency, face portray, calligraphy, Kung Fu Panda character-drawing lessons, and extra, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The place to Grocery Store
Above all, the brand new 12 months is primarily a time for household and recent begins. Meaning performing some early spring cleansing, purchasing for recent flowers and items, and celebrating with fortunate meals.
Throughout Philadelphia’s Asian American neighborhood, family-run and chain markets don’t simply present recent meals, but in addition a style of residence and a way of neighborhood, for immigrants and longtime residents alike.
As Philly restauranteur Judy Ni sums up, ”Lots of the space’s markets are literally ‘hidden treasures.’ ”
Whether or not you need to make dumplings at residence or seize some takeout and snacks, these outlets have gotten you coated.
Chinatown
- Asianfresh Meals Market at 144 N. tenth Road
- Heng Fa Grocery store at N. tenth and Cherry Streets
- EnJoy Market (basement of 143 N. eleventh Road)
- Most bakeries within the space for traditional conventional Lunar New 12 months treats
South Philly
- Oregon Market at third and Oregon (320 W Oregon Ave.)
- No. 1 Asian Grocery store (2842 St. Vincent Road)
- Hung Vuong Meals Market at 1122 Washington Avenue
- Ba Le Bakery (606 Washington Avenue)
West Philly
- Alrayyan Meals Market at 121 S. forty third Road
- Dana Mandi at 4211 Chestnut Road
- Worldwide Meals & Spices at 4203 Walnut Road
Elsewhere
- H-Mart, which has a meals court docket! (Elkins Park, Olney)
- Maido (Ardmore)
- Hung Vuong Meals Market 6420 Sackett Road inside Mayfair Buying Heart
The place to Eat
For 150 years, Philly’s Chinatown has served as a hub and launching pad for brand new immigrant communities from throughout the Asian American diaspora, which ultimately unfold South, West, Northeast, and into the suburbs.
For 150 years, Philly’s Chinatown has served as a hub and launching pad for brand new immigrant communities from throughout the Asian American diaspora, which ultimately unfold South, West, Northeast, and into the suburbs.
Good for Teams
- Tai Lake Seafood Restaurant (134 N. tenth Road)
- EMei (915 Arch Road)
- Sang Kee Peking Duck Home (238 N. ninth Road, plus a stall in Studying Terminal Market)
- Bubblefish (909 Arch Road)
- Vietnam Restaurant (221 N. eleventh Road)
- Chubby Cattle Shabu (146 N. tenth Road)
- Kampar (611 S. seventh Road)
- Han Dynasty (110 Chestnut Road and 3711 Market Road)
- Mei Mei (33 S. 2nd Road)
- Banana Leaf Malaysian (1009 Arch Road)
- Seorabol (1326 Spruce Road)
Social Media Stars
- Mawn (764 S. ninth St) is a perpetually packed Cambodian noodle home with reservations reserving far prematurely, whose chef Phila Lorn is a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Rising Chef.
- Càphê Roasters (3400 J St G1) is the primary and solely Vietnamese specialty espresso roastery in Philadelphia, working in Kensington with a seasonal menu of candy and savory dishes.
- Hardena (1754 S Hicks St #2217) saved their small enterprise alive throughout the COVID pandemic partially by means of common “pizza field” drops filled with rigorously ready, home-cooked Indonesian meals.
- Kalaya, a Thai restaurant in Fishtown (4 W. Palmer St.) is one other James Beard semifinalist for Excellent Restaurant, with proprietor/chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon a 2023 Finest Chef: Mid-Atlantic winner.
Dim Sum
For traditional dim sum with rolling carts of meals, there’s Ocean Harbor (1023 Race Road) and Ocean Metropolis (234 N. ninth Road, subsequent to Sang Kee) in Chinatown, China Connoisseur (2842 St. Vincent Road) in Northeast Philly, and Grand Palace (600 Washington Ave #3B) in South Philly.
Way more choices exist for a la carte dim sum, to the purpose the place we’d have reached a saturation level in some areas, like how Race Road between tenth and eleventh Road has three dim sum spots inside 300 toes of each other.
- Dim Sum Backyard (1024 Race St) simply celebrated a transfer to a bigger area, which is an effective factor for the reason that widespread soup dumpling spot usually has strains out the door, even in winter.
- Dim Sum Home by Jane G’s in College Metropolis (3939 Chestnut Road, 2nd Flooring) provides all-day Cantonese and Shanghai dim sum, in addition to dishes from the Jiang Nan area of China.
- Tom’s Dim Sum (59 N. eleventh Road) sits beneath the overpass of the Pennsylvania Conference Heart and is a well-liked spot for vacationers and residents alike.
- Nom Wah Philadelphia (218 N. thirteenth Road) is the Philly outpost of NYC’s oldest repeatedly working dim sum restaurant.
- Ray’s Cafe and Tea Home (141 N. ninth St) is often on the lips of Philadelphians and guests alike as a beloved and comfortable family-run spot for espresso and basic treats alike.
- Dodo Bakery (2653 S. eleventh St)
- Dim Sum Kingdom (1020 Race St) is the latest addition to the lineup, opening in Dim Sum Backyard’s earlier area.