Culture & Tradition - The Lunar New Year Collection An Official Licensed Program of the United States Postal Service, March 31, 2005

Chinese Character for Lucky Chinese Calligraphy to be Post In the Front Door Represents Healthy, Prosperity, Welthy and Peaceful New Year

Chinese Words for Happy New Year and Everything will Go Your Way

The following artical is written by members of U.S. EPA-Region 5 Asian Pacific Employee Council: William Tong, Cheng-Wen Tsai, Jae Lee, Howard Pham and Phil Wicklein.

"The Lunar New Year 4699 is celebrated this year on January 24, 2001. The lunar calendar is very ancient, dating back nearly 4700 years, and is used in many Asian countries, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, etc. Consequently, the Lunar New Year is also celebrated simultaneously in many of the Asian countries; due to their historic and diplomatic ties with the ancient Chinese empire, there are many similarities in the way that the Lunar New Year is celebrated in their respective countries. The following are summaries of lunar new year celebrations, as typically held in China, Korea, Vietnam, and Mongolia.

China

In the Chinese lunar calendar, the New Year is 4699, the Year of the Snake. In Chinese astrology, a repeating cycle or zodiac of 12 animals have been adopted to represent each lunar year: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare (or Rabbit), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram (or Goat), Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar. Distinctive personality traits are said to be attributed to being born under the sign of one of these zodiac animals. For example, persons born in the Year of the Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001) are characterized as "charming, popular, decisive, profound thinkers of intense determination; often rich, sometimes stingy, vain and excessive." Snakes are most compatible with those born under the sign of the Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, or 1993) or Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, or 1997).

According to legend, during ancient times, a monster known as "Nian" attacked villagers on the eve of the New Year, causing people to hide from its attack. On New Year's day, people who survived congratulated and wished each other good luck for the year ahead; so the phrase translated from Chinese to mean "Happy New Year" actually is a condensation of "Congratulations and good fortune to you in the New Year" (in Mandarin pronounced GOONG SHEE FAH TSAI and in Cantones, GOONG HAY FAHT CHOY). The Chinese Lunar New Year is the most important of all Chinese festivals. Unlike the Western world, where China is celebrated over a period of several weeks, beginning approximately on the 24th day (in some areas, as early as the 8th day) of the 12th month, a day known as "Little New Year," and concludes on the 15th day of the first month of the new year, a day known as the Lantern Festival. Activities include: household and community clean-up, display of decorations and calligraphy posters for good luck, paying respect to one's ancestors at the shrine and to the Gods at the temple, gifts of "lucky money," fireworks, lion and dragon dance, musical performances, acrobatics, matial arts demonstrations, special gourmet food and fun and games.

Korea

In Korea, New Year's Day is known as "Sol-nol" and is celebrated as one of the biggest holidays of the year. People dress in their best (traditional or modern) clothes and all the family gathers together to observe a memorial service to the souls of the ancestors. After the ceremony, formal new year's greetings are said with deep bows to the elders of the family in the order of the grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts. Then children are given a special word of advice and are offered gifts by the elders. After the grand new year's morning meal, young peolpe make a round of visiting relatives and neighbors for further formal greetings.

The new year's bows to elder persons are considered essential for the education in good manner and good morals of the young people. The formal new year's greeting to all elders in town continue for ten days. In this way everyone in town can get acquainted with one another very well. Among the popular games during the New Yeear is call "Yut," which is played similar to dice, except four nearly cylindrical sticks are thrown into the air with a twist of the wrist. The girls play on a see-saw, where one girl stands on the end of a long plank and is raised into the air as a companion descends on the opposite end. Flying kites is another favorite game of the New Year's day. Sometimes a contest is held between several kite fliers who cross their strings, coated with powdered glass. After some minutes of pulling and releasing by the pilots on land, the better-maneuvered kite cuts the strings of the weaker kites. The New Year's festivities last until the 15th day of the month. This is the first full moon of the lunar calendar year. People hike up a nearby hill to greet the first full moon of the year. Whoever sees the moon first is considered the most fortunate, but everyone speaks his or her wishes to the moon. Ancient Koreans believed that the prayer to the first full moon would have good chances of receiving a favorable answer. One wishes a handsome and beautiful marital match for the young ones, a son or daughter for the childless couple, and excellent fall harvest for the farmers. Later in the evening people build big fires and sing and dance all night. This marks the end of the New Year festival.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, the Lunar New Year is known as "Tet Ngyuen Dan." Tet is observed officially for three days, beginning at the first new moon after January 20th; however, among the common people, Tet activities lasted until the end of the first lunar month. Tet is the most important holiday for the Vietnamese. It is a special time for: remembering their ancestors and national heroes, showing respect to their parents and grandparents, showing gratitude to teachers and benefactors, family reunification, and enjoying food and games. In Vietnam, celebration of Tet includes the following: household and community clean-up, buying new clothes and gifts, gifts of "lucky money," gourmet food, paying respect to ones' ancestors and the Gods, visiting relatives, friends and benefactors, fireworks, flowers, perfume, and fun and games (including climbing a greasy pole, catching a duck in the pond, chasing a pig, wrestling and rolling a heavy ball, rolling the dice, coin games, and cards). The most popular Tet items are: fresh bacon, mustard green pickle, with shallots and red scrolls, New Year's bamboo pole, firecrackers and green sweet rice cakes.

Mongolia

In Mongolia, the new year is celebrated at a time selected annually by a local oracle. The first month is usually February and the three-day holiday and month called Sagan Sar or "white month." The event is celebrated by visits to homes of friends and family, feasting, and toasting. The male head of the family presides over the feast, greetings, and departs in the traditional manner, with the women mostly in the background. The first meeting between friends and family in the new year involves the heavenly blue scarf, silver cup, cheek brushing, trading snuff, and gift giving. The center piece on the table is a whole cooked lamb. Slabs of white fat are carved for serving the honored guests along with the traditional drink of fermented mare's milk. There is usually plenty of vodka, beer, and sometimes scotch for toasting to the point of stupefaction."

THE EASTERN ZODIAC (Used by some Asian cultures including the Chinese, Japanes, Vietnamese, and Korean peoples)
Rat	Full of charm, the Rat is the object of admiration. A true sentimentalist, family and friends are close to their heart. Their intellect and foresight bring success, money and work. Rats are constant seekers of new ventures and travel. (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)
Ox	Keeper of tradition, the Ox maintains a classic and sophisticated style. Iron-willed, they remain true to their beliefs. A strong leader, their hard word and dedication are an inspiration to all. Ox people never stray from their chosen path. (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997)
Tiger	Brave and courageous, the Tiger is ready for any challenge. Nothing can tame their adventurous and rebellious spirit. A supreme optimist, they pursue their goals with fierce intensity. Tigers are admired for their vibrant and playful personality. (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)
Rabbit	Wise and insightful, Rabbits have a deep understanding of others. Not a risk-taker, they are cautious when making decisions. A protector of diplomacy, they seek compromise to conflicts. Their creativity and style surround them with beauty. (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)
Dragon	Never cautious, the Dragon is not afraid when faced with a challenge. They will defend and protect any cause close to their heart. Confident and strong, they enter all battles. Dragons are known for their powerful and majestic spirit. (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000)
Snake	A natural philosopher, the Snake is blessed with profound wisdom. Always on a mission, they are dedicated to their chosen quest. Seductive and mysterious, many are blinded by their hypnotic charm, unforgettable elegance and style. (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)
Horse	A free spirit, Horse people cherish their independence. Always on the move it is hard to slow them down. Given the power of persuasion, they can obtain whatever they desire. Horses need constant stimulation to appease their wild soul. (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)
Ram/ Sheep	Gentle and docile, the Ram is sincere and kind-hearted. A pacifist, they never question authority. Fueled by compassion, they admire all of nature's beauty. Rams strive to create a secure and tranquil environment. (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)
Monkey	Clever and quick-witted, Monkeys are successful in every endeavor. Inquisitive, they constantly seek new opportunities and adventure. Their intellect and versatility allows them to adapt to any situation. Their mischievous spirit is entertaining. (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)
Rooster	Self-reliant and independent, the Rooster is not one to seek counsel. They are confident and aggressive and are most at home in a crowd. A perfectionist, they leave no detail undocumented. Roosters will never abandon their dreams. (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)
Dog	Noble and true, the Dog will fight to mend all that is unjust. A loyal and faithful friend, Dogs make any sacrifice for the sake of another. They will never abandon their post. A genuine listener and confidant, the Dog is the keeper of all secrets. (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)
Boar	Pure of heart, Boar people are generous and kind. Full of inner strength and courage, they can take on any task. A friend who listens, the Boar is sincere and trustworthy. They are driven by their passion for life. (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)