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In Thailand, the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is not an official public holiday but is widely celebrated due to the significant Chinese-Thai community present in the country. The celebration typically lasts for three days, with each day having its own set of customs and traditions.
The Lunar New Year has a rich history that dates back thousands of years and is rooted in ancient Chinese traditions. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions and honoring ancestors.
On the second day of Lunar New Year, which is known as "kai nian" in Chinese, people continue to engage in festive activities. This day often focuses on family and community:
Family Visits: It is common for Thai-Chinese families to visit the homes of their relatives on this day to exchange well-wishes and gifts, usually red envelopes ("ang pao") containing money for luck and prosperity.
Paying Tribute to Ancestors: Many families will pay homage to their ancestors by offering food, burning incense, and presenting offerings at altars or temples.
Lion and Dragon Dances: Public celebrations often feature lion dances and dragon dances, believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. These performances are particularly popular in areas with a strong Chinese influence like Yaowarat Road in Bangkok's Chinatown.
Market Visits: Visiting local markets where vendors sell festive goods such as traditional foods, decorations, clothes, and lanterns is another common practice.
Festive Meals: Families gather together for large meals featuring special dishes that symbolize good fortune, such as fish (abundance), dumplings (wealth), and noodles (longevity).
While these traditions are indicative of typical practices during the second day of Lunar New Year celebrations in Thailand among the Thai-Chinese community, individual practices may vary based on family customs and regional differences.
