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Celebrating Lunar New Year

Celebrate the rich history, vibrant traditions, and inclusivity of the Lunar New Year, a global symbol of renewal and unity.

The Lunar New Year, celebrated by millions worldwide, is a time-honored tradition that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, with 2025 ushering in the Year of the Snake.

Rooted in centuries-old customs, it is a celebration of renewal, family unity, and cultural heritage. Festivities often include sharing lavish meals, giving red envelopes as tokens of good luck, lighting lanterns, and enjoying vibrant dragon and lion dances.

As we embrace this joyous occasion, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity in the workplace.

By recognizing and celebrating diverse traditions like the Lunar New Year, we create a more welcoming and enriched environment for all.

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Tradition and celebrations

Origins of Lunar New Year

The origins of the Lunar New Year trace back over 4,000 years to ancient China, where it began as an agricultural festival marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Rooted in the legend of Nian, a mythical beast believed to terrorize villages at the start of the year, early celebrations involved loud noises, bright lights, and the color red to ward off the creature. Over time, these protective rituals evolved into joyous festivities symbolizing new beginnings, good fortune, and harmony.

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The holiday's alignment with the lunar calendar, based on the cycles of the moon, ensured that it remained deeply connected to nature and the rhythms of life. It became a formalized celebration during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), solidifying its place as one of the most significant cultural events in history.

Modern Celebrations

The Lunar New Year is celebrated with vibrant traditions that vary across cultures, but all emphasize themes of renewal, prosperity, and togetherness.

In China, families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck, enjoy reunion feasts, and exchange red envelopes filled with money as blessings. In Vietnam, Tet celebrations include offerings to ancestors and decorative kumquat trees. Meanwhile, in Korea, Seollal features the wearing of traditional hanbok and the sharing of tteokguk, a special rice cake soup. In Singapore, the celebrations are a colorful blend of traditions, featuring the bustling Chinatown street markets, spectacular light-ups, and the famous Chingay Parade, which showcases multicultural performances and elaborate floats.

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Festivities often last for days, marked by firecrackers, dragon and lion dances, and cultural performances. While customs may differ, the underlying spirit of family unity and goodwill remains universal.

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By appreciating and embracing these diverse celebrations in our workplace, we foster an inclusive culture that honors the rich traditions of colleagues from all backgrounds.

How we celebrate

Hear from our team members about how they mark the Lunar New Year in their own way. Whether it’s gathering with family, enjoying favorite meals, or keeping up small traditions, these personal stories show the different ways people connect with this special time of year.

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“Lunar New Year holds a deep personal significance for me, as it’s a time to reconnect with my family and honour traditions that have been passed down through generations. It’s not just a holiday, but a celebration of togetherness, gratitude, and new beginnings.”

Alice Liu

“Lunar New Year to me is immersing into the cultural heritage practices and enjoying this period of social gathering, when we share experiences of what happened in our lives during the past year.”

Edwin Kiew

“For me Lunar Year is about family reunion. I enjoy the gatherings and visiting relative’s homes.”

Justin Chia

"Parents give their children red envelopes filled with money (Hong Bao) as a symbol of good luck and wishes for the new year. They can share with neighbor's kids too."

Rashmi Ghodke

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"One of my favorite Lunar New Year memories was from last year when I finally got to see a dragon and lion dance performance after many years. It felt like a fresh start and a vibrant celebration of the new year."

Alice Liu