Chinese New Year/ Lunar New Year is a huge holiday in some parts of the world, including New York. Growing up in New York provided a great variety of culture from various parts of China. I was raised on very spicy Sichuan and Hunan food, and for many people in my community, it was tradition to go out for Chinese food for some holidays. Christmas day is a popular day for people to reunite with family at one of the many great restaurants. Every winter we also waited excitedly for Lunar New Year specials. One of my favorite things to do was to visit Chinatown and be dazzled by the resplendent colors of the decorations and fans. On one visit when I was seven, we went into an old run down shop and I bought a tiny bean shell with a piece of ivory or something like it, thinner than my nail, carved into the shape of an elephant. I saved it for years because the store clerk told me it was magic. For me all of Chinatown was magic with the dragons, the fireworks, and the vibrant energy on every street corner.
There are myriad reasons why I love Chinese New Year /Lunar New Year and celebrate it every year. I also think that for many New Yorkers, Chinese New Year was a holiday unfettered by a feeling of religious allegiance. It is one of those holidays that after years of assimilation became part of New York culture, allowing for all to partake in it. With so many constraints of political correctness, it is nice to have a celebration that provides a sense of joy and unity.
My heart fills with joy every year at the festivities and learning what each year under that animal sign has in store for everyone. In truth I am not really sure how people who have the Lunar New Year celebration as an integral part of their culture feel to have outsiders celebrate it. However, I have always been made to feel welcome during the celebration. In New York, there are certain holidays in which people come together and celebrate together as New Yorkers. This is one of the best things about living in a large multicultural city. I believe that Boston, if not already, is heading in the same direction. I have spent the last few Lunar New Years in Chinatown in Boston. There is a parade, fireworks, restaurant specials, and many events to see. I hope that this is one holiday I will never miss!
The next parade in Boston’s Chinatown will be on Sunday, March 1st. Click here for more details.
Photo credits
- http://www.manhattanstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Chinese-New-Year-Parade.jpg
- http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/ef/ca/efca9981816501d7bd3a77e108cc88a5.jpg?itok=s1se-rjD
- http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/30/article-2093665-1183B036000005DC-758_634x404.jpg
