The Lunar New Year is the most important social and economic holiday for billions of people around the world. The holiday is tied to the lunar-solar Chinese calendar and was originally observed as a time to honor household and heavenly deities and ancestors. Today, Lunar New Year is a special time to bring friends and family together for feasting and festivities in China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Mongolia and other countries all over the world.
2023 Year of the Rabbit Lunar New Year Events in Cleveland
While the official date of Lunar New Year 2023 is Sunday, January 22, many organizations in the Cleveland are host events surrounding this date to celebrate the Lunar New Year. OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates has cultivated a comprehensive list of events in the area, most of which are open to the public. We hope you celebrate Lunar New Year by engaging in community events.
Explore Lunar New Year Traditions & Celebrations Around the World
Fun Facts
- The Lunar New Year is a time of beliefs. Those who celebrate don’t take out the trash or clean on the first day, as doing so is said to wash away your luck and prosperity. The second day, considered the beginning of the year, is spent with family. The third day is seen as a day prone to arguments, so visiting family and friends is avoided!
- The new year is determined by the lunar calendar and the holiday lasts 15 days.
- Legend says that “Nian,” a half-dragon, half-lion monster, comes out of hiding and attacks people (especially children) during the Lunar New Year. Fireworks are used to scare him away!
- Sugary foods are especially important because they are believed to sweeten prospects for the coming year.
- “Hesuipian” is a movie collection entirely devoted to Lunar New Year in China and Hong Kong.
- While the Lunar New Year is a time of traditions and beliefs, the most important aspect of celebrating the holiday is having a great time with friends and family!
For more information on the holiday, visit Kelvin Smith Library’s Research Guide to Lunar New Year.