Year of the rabbit
The Lunar New Year begins Sunday, Jan. 22, ushering in the year of the water rabbit. The lunar calendar, used in both Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, is divided into 12 segments, with each assigned an animal sign. The Chinese New Year celebration starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later.
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According to myths, the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac were selected through a race. This race is meant to create a time measurement for the people. There could only be 12 winners, and in order to win, the animals had to cross a rapid current river and reach the finish line on the shore.
There are many variations of this story. Some say that the Jade Emperor called a race of animals on his birthday to create the Chinese zodiac. Others say that it was the Buddha who did. The stories are essentially the same, excluding some minor details.
Traditional practices
First day
Visit family: The oldest and most senior family members will be visited in order to strengthen family kinship. Also, guests are welcomed with sweets.
Second day
Birthday of dog: After being offered sacrifices, the god of wealth leaves for heaven. People will see the deity off, wishing for a prosperous year and eating wonton resembling the shape of an ingot.
Third day
Birthday of pig: People pay respects to the dead. Some believe evil spirits roam the earth on this day.
Fourth day
Birthday of sheep: The fourth day is a continuation of the third day.
Fifth day
Birthday of the god of wealth: Respect is paid to the god of wealth. All businesses reopen.
Sixth day
Birthday of horse: Marks a time to visit temples, relatives and friends.
Seventh day
Birthday of men: Is the birthday of ordinary or common men and celebrated with certain foods.
Eighth day
Completion day: People have another family reunion dinner and a midnight prayer to the Jade Emperor.
Ninth day
Birthday of jade emperor: Celebrate the birthday of emperor, believed to be ruler of all heavens and Earth.
10th to 12th days
Feasting: More feasting with friends and family.
13th day
Slow down: Vegetarian foods are eaten to cleanse the digestive systems of all the rich foods.
14th day
Lantern decoration day: Preparations are made for the Lantern Festival.
15th day
Lantern Festival Day: This marks the full moon after the spring festival and the new year. Another reunion dinner is held with lanterns and oranges being a large part of the celebrations.
Sources: nationsonline, webexhibits, astrohoroscopes, travelchinaguide, VietHoroscope.com, creativeartsguild.org, chinahighlights.com
Let’s talk lunar
Most years, there are 12 full moons — one for each month. But in 2023, there will be 13 full moons, with two occurring in August.The second full moon in one month is known as a blue moon, like the phrase “once in a blue moon,” according to NASA. Typically, full moons occur every 29 days, while most months in our calendar last 30 or 31 days, so the months and moon phases don’t always align. This results in a blue moon about every 2.5 years.
The two full moons in August can also be considered supermoons, according to EarthSky. Definitions of a supermoon can vary, but the term indicates a full moon that is brighter and closer to Earth than normal and thus appears larger in the night sky.Some astronomers say the phenomenon occurs when the moon is within 90% of perigee — its closest approach to Earth in orbit. By that definition, the full moon for July will also be considered a supermoon event.
Here are the full moons for 2023, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac:
Jan. 6: Wolf moon
Feb. 5: Snow moon
March 7: Worm moon
April 6: Pink moon
May 5: Flower moon
June 3: Strawberry moon
July 3: Buck moon
Aug. 1: Sturgeon moon
Aug. 30: Blue moon
Sept. 29: Harvest moon
Oct. 28: Hunter’s moon
Nov. 27: Beaver moon
Dec. 26: Cold moon
While these are the popularized names associated with the monthly full moon, each one carries its own significance across Native American tribes (with many also referred to by differing names).
