0
0
Lunar New Year celebrations continue worldwide as communities across East and Southeast Asia welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with vibrant traditions, family reunions, and large scale public festivities.
From record breaking travel in China to colorful lion dances in Australia and food filled streets in the Philippines, millions of people are marking the beginning of the new lunar calendar with cultural rituals rooted in centuries of history.
Record Travel Rush in China and South Korea
In China, authorities expect a record 9.5 billion cross regional journeys during the annual holiday period. The Spring Festival travel rush is widely described as the largest annual human migration in the world, as families return to their hometowns to celebrate together.
Red envelopes filled with money, long noodles symbolizing longevity, and mandarin oranges representing good fortune are being exchanged in homes across the country.
Meanwhile in South Korea, approximately 720,000 outbound passengers were expected to pass through Incheon International Airport during the five day holiday. Many travelers are heading overseas or visiting relatives as part of traditional Seollal observances.
Festive Atmosphere in Manila’s Historic Chinatown
In Manila, families have gathered in Binondo, recognized as the world’s oldest Chinatown. Streets are filled with visitors enjoying sticky rice cakes, pork and chive dumplings, toasted buns, and stir fried noodles.
Local vendors are also selling lucky charms and decorations featuring horse symbols for the Year of the Fire Horse. Some business owners say sales are slower compared to previous years, but they remain hopeful that crowds will grow throughout the day.
Philippine President Bongbong Marcos encouraged citizens to explore Binondo, highlighting its rich history and culinary heritage.
Lion Dances Light Up Sydney
In Sydney, Lunar New Year celebrations continue worldwide with energetic lion dance performances at key landmarks. Events were held at Darling Harbour and Sydney Town Hall, where crowds gathered to watch four lions in green, yellow, blue, and pink costumes.
Although red remains the traditional festive color symbolizing luck and prosperity, the multi colored lions added a modern twist to the celebration. Spectators, including tourists and local families, cheered as drummers accompanied the performances.
Subdued Observances in Thailand
Celebrations in Bangkok have been more restrained this year. Thailand continues to observe a one year mourning period following the passing of Queen Sirikit.
While there were no large official festivities in Bangkok’s Chinatown, private businesses organized smaller events. Residents and visitors still visited temples and shrines to make wishes for prosperity and good health in the new year.
The Cultural Meaning Behind Mandarin Oranges
Mandarin oranges remain one of the most recognizable symbols of Lunar New Year. Often exchanged in pairs, the fruit represents good luck and wealth. In Mandarin, the word for orange sounds similar to the word for luck, while in Cantonese it resembles the word for gold.
The fruit’s bright orange color and round shape symbolize completeness and unity, reinforcing themes of family harmony during the holiday.
The Commercial Rise of Zodiac Imagery
As Lunar New Year celebrations continue worldwide, the Chinese Zodiac has become increasingly visible in commercial spaces. Across China and other major cities, shopping districts and transportation hubs feature installations inspired by the Year of the Fire Horse.
Brands have introduced themed packaging and promotional campaigns incorporating horse imagery and the traditional red color palette. From gift boxes to luxury goods, zodiac branding has become a common marketing strategy during the festive season.
Greetings Across Cultures
The holiday is celebrated in multiple countries with different greetings. In Mandarin, people say Xin Nian Kuai Le to wish a happy new year. In Cantonese speaking regions, Gong Hei Fat Choy expresses wishes for prosperity.
In Vietnam, common greetings include Chuc mung nam moi and other phrases wishing health and success. In Korea, the greeting sae hae bok mani badeuseyo encourages receiving many blessings in the new year.
A Global Celebration of Tradition and Renewal
Lunar New Year celebrations continue worldwide as families reconnect, cultural traditions thrive, and communities gather in public spaces. Whether through temple visits, festive meals, lion dances, or long distance travel, the holiday remains one of the most significant events across Asia and in diaspora communities globally.
As the Year of the Fire Horse begins, the themes of renewal, prosperity, and unity continue to shape celebrations around the world.
For more news, visit our homepage
