Lunar New Year is one of the most important cultural events in Asia, as many countries and peoples celebrate it in a variety of distinctive ways. Despite the differences in details, there are many common elements that bring together these celebrations, reflecting common cultural values and a long heritage.
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### Common elements of Lunar New Year celebrations:

* * * Cleaning and renovation: * * before the new year, people clean their homes and get rid of old things, as a symbol of getting rid of negative energy and welcoming the new year with a new face.
* * * Red decorations: * * red is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity in many Asian cultures, so streets and houses are decorated with red and red lanterns.
* * * Special foods: * * each culture has its own Lunar New Year dishes, which it believes bring good luck and blessing.
* * * Traditional performances: * * the celebrations witness traditional performances such as Lion and dragon dances, firework displays, and traditional music.
* * * Gift exchange: * * people exchange red gifts containing money or sweets, as a symbol of good wishes for the new year.
** * Visits of friends and family: * * visiting friends and family is an essential part of the celebrations, as they gather for dinner, exchange conversations and congratulations.

### Examples of Lunar New Year celebrations in some Asian countries:

* * * China: * * China is considered the birthplace of the Lunar New Year celebration, celebrations there include rich food tables, dazzling fireworks displays, lion and dragon dances, visiting temples.
** * Korea: * * in Korea, the Lunar New Year is celebrated by eating sticky rice, drinking rice wine, wearing traditional clothes, and exchanging greetings.
* * * Vietnam: * * Vietnamese celebrate the Lunar New Year by putting decorations on trees, eating traditional foods such as ban Tet (rice pancakes), and setting off fireworks.
*** Japan:* * in Japan, the Lunar New Year is called "Oshogatsu", it is celebrated by visiting temples, eating mochi soup, writing wishes on small sheets and hanging them on the branches of a pine tree.

## Why do Asian people celebrate the Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is an occasion to express thanks to God for the past year, to prepare to receive a new year full of hope and optimism. It is also an opportunity to renew family and social ties, strengthen cultural identity.

** In short,* * Lunar New Year celebrations in Asia are the embodiment of the ancient culture and heritage of these peoples, an occasion to celebrate life and be optimistic about the future.

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