Google Doodle 28 January 2017: Lunar New Year 2017 (Vietnam)
With paper lanterns, watermelon, and lots of red, today’s Doodle welcomes the Year of the Rooster. Also known as Tết in Vietnam, Lunar New Year falls on the first new moon between January 21 and February 20 each year. While this means the date is always changing, the traditions surrounding the holiday have long been the same. Leading up to it, families clean their homes and begin preparing food for the festivities. One of the signature dishes, bánh chưng, can take days to make. Once New Year’s Day arrives, red decor and envelopes abound, while lion dancers and drummers fill the streets. The celebration often lasts multiple days in Vietnam, leaving plenty of time to feast. Families enjoy the pre-made bánh chưng, along with roasted watermelon seeds, pickled onions, and dried fruit. There may even be some gambling – games like bầu cua cá cọp, which lets players make bets as they roll three dice, are popular during Tết.
As loved ones come together for good food and fun, here’s to a happy and healthy new year!
Google Doodle 28 January 2017: Lunar New Year 2017 (Global)
With traditional foods, glowing lanterns, and lots of red, today’s Doodle welcomes the Year of the Rooster. A time of celebration with family and friends, Lunar New Year falls on the first new moon between January 21 and February 20 each year. While this means the date is always changing, the traditions surrounding the holiday have long been the same. In the US, Asian-American communities host festivals across the country – the oldest and largest of which is in San Francisco’s Chinatown. At these events, red decor and envelopes abound, while lion dancers, giant puppets, and firecrackers fill the streets. Legend has it that many of these traditions stem from fending off the Nian, a mythical beast that would attack an ancient village each New Year’s Day. With the help of a mysterious old man, villagers discovered that the creature was afraid of the color red, as well as loud noises — and so the festivities began. Although the Nian never did return, the celebrations most certainly did.
Here’s to health, happiness, and good fortune in the new year!
Google Doodle 28 January 2017: Lunar New Year 2017 (Hong Kong, Taiwan, China)
With firecrackers, fried dumplings, and Fai Chun, today’s Doodle welcomes the Year of the Rooster.
A time of celebration with family and friends, Lunar New Year falls on the first new moon between January 21 and February 20 each year. While this means the date is always changing, the traditions surrounding the holiday have long been the same. Leading up to it, families clean their homes to push out bad luck and make room for good fortune. Once New Year’s Eve arrives, loved ones come together for a reunion dinner where poon choi – a large dish packed with meat, fish, and vegetables – is often shared.
On New Year’s Day, red decor and envelopes abound, while lion dancers, paper lanterns, and fireworks fill the streets. Legend has it that many of these traditions stem from fending off the Nian, a mythical beast that would attack an ancient village each New Year’s Day. With the help of a mysterious old man, villagers discovered that the creature was afraid of the color red, as well as loud noises — and so the festivities began. Although the Nian never did return, the celebrations most certainly did.
Here’s to health, happiness, and good fortune in the new year!
Google Doodle 28 January 2017: Lunar New Year 2017 (South Korea)
With fresh fruit, colorful kites, and pouches full of gifts, today’s Doodle welcomes the Year of the Rooster.
A time of celebration with family and friends, Lunar New Year falls on the first new moon between January 21 and February 20 each year. While this means the date is always changing, the traditions surrounding the holiday have long been the same. In Korea, families usually start preparing a week in advance by making food, purchasing gifts, and planning their travels home.
Once New Year’s Day arrives, Koreans kick off the festivities by honoring their ancestors. This is followed by a meal where tteokguk, a traditional soup filled with rice cakes, beef, eggs, and other ingredients is served. Family members then exchange presents and participate in a variety of folk games, including jegichagi, where you try to keep a small object afloat using only your foot, and tuho, where you aim arrows into a narrow-necked wooden jar.
As loved ones come together for good food and friendly competition, here’s to a happy and healthy new year!
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