Public Holiday in Taiwan: Lunar New Year (春節)

Day: The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, usually falls between January 21 and February 20.

History: The Lunar New Year is rooted in ancient agricultural society where it marked the end of winter and the beginning of a new harvest season. In Taiwan, it is influenced by Chinese traditions as many Taiwanese are descendants of immigrants from various parts of China.

Traditions:

• Reunion Dinner: Families gather on Lunar New Year's Eve for a reunion dinner, which is considered the most important meal of the year.
• Red Envelopes: Elders give out red envelopes (紅包) with money inside to children and unmarried adults for good luck.
• Cleaning and Decoration: Prior to the holiday, homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away bad fortune and make room for incoming good luck. Windows and doors are often adorned with red paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of "good fortune" or "happiness".
• Fireworks and Firecrackers: Traditionally used to scare off evil spirits, fireworks are a common sight during the celebration.

What People Do:

• Many people travel back to their hometowns for family gatherings.
• Visit temples to pray for a prosperous new year.
• Watch lion and dragon dances which are performed to bring prosperity and good luck.
• Businesses close for several days allowing time for relaxation and participation in festive activities.

The Lunar New Year is not only a time for festivity but also an occasion for honoring ancestors, reflecting on the past year, and preparing for a prosperous future.