Lunar New Year's Day in Taiwan

Overview: Lunar New Year's Day, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most significant traditional holidays in Taiwan. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is a time for family reunions and celebration.

History: The festival has ancient roots in Chinese culture, with traditions dating back thousands of years. It incorporates various customs and myths, such as warding off the mythical beast Nian. Over time, it has evolved to include elements specific to Taiwanese culture.

Traditions:

• Reunion Dinner: On Lunar New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner known as "Tuan Yuan Fan." This meal features an abundance of food symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

• Red Envelopes: Elders give children and unmarried adults red envelopes ("hongbao") containing money for good luck.

• Cleaning: Homes are thoroughly cleaned before the New Year to sweep away bad luck and make room for incoming good fortune.

• Decorations: People decorate their homes with red lanterns, couplets, paper cuttings, and other auspicious items to attract positive energy.

• Fireworks and Firecrackers: Traditionally used to scare away evil spirits, fireworks are a common sight during New Year celebrations.

Activities:

• Temple Visits: Many Taiwanese visit temples to pray for good luck and fortune in the coming year.

• Dragon and Lion Dances: Performances involving dragon or lion dances are common as they are believed to bring prosperity.

• Giving Thanks: The holiday period includes days dedicated to thanking deities and ancestors.

Modern Celebrations:

While preserving traditional customs, contemporary practices might include watching special TV programs or engaging in leisure activities due to increased time off work. However, the essence of spending time with family remains central to Lunar New Year celebrations in Taiwan.