Lunar New Year 2021 in Philadelphia: A Time for Fresh Beginnings

As the clock strikes midnight on Lunar New Year's Eve, people around the world are ushering in a fresh start. For those celebrating in Philadelphia, it's a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new with open arms. According to Nancy Yao, President of the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), 'a clean home, new clothes, and a fresh attitude' are essential elements of Lunar New Year celebrations.

In many Asian cultures, the start of the new year is believed to set the tone for the rest of the year. Therefore, it's customary to begin with a blank slate - literally! In the days leading up to Lunar New Year's Eve, many people spend hours deep cleaning their homes to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune.

This year, Philadelphia's Asian community is gearing up to celebrate Tết, also known as Vietnamese New Year, which falls on January 22. And while some may mistakenly wish everyone a happy Year of the Rabbit (since it's actually the Year of the Cat), locals know that tradition dictates a clean slate and a fresh start.

Philadelphia's rich cultural heritage means that residents can experience Lunar New Year celebrations from around the world. The Museum of Chinese in America, for example, offers cultural events and festivities throughout the city. Meanwhile, the Korean community is preparing for Seollal, while the Vietnamese community is busy planning Tết festivities.

Beyond Asia, Mongolia celebrates Tsagaan Sar, or Mongolian Lunar New Year, which marks the beginning of spring on a separate lunar calendar. Interestingly, Japan once celebrated a spring festival according to the lunar calendar until 1872, when it adopted the Gregorian calendar and Western traditions.

For Julie Zhu, a Mellon Community Curatorial Fellow with the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC), Lunar New Year is a time to reflect on her cultural heritage. Born in Hangzhou, China, she grew up celebrating Chinese New Year before moving to Japan, where she celebrated Shogatsu - Japanese New Year.

In Philadelphia, residents are invited to join in the festivities by signing up for NBC Philadelphia newsletters and staying updated on local news, weather forecasts, sports, and entertainment stories. As the city welcomes the Lunar New Year 2021, it's clear that the spirit of renewal and celebration will be felt throughout the community.

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