Celebrating Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years. Also known as the Spring Festival, it celebrates the arrival of spring. The first day coincides with the second new moon after the winter solstice and is celebrated until the first full moon about 15 days later.
Traditions include a deep cleaning in preparation for the holiday, family gatherings, honoring ancestors, celebratory fireworks, handing out envelopes or gifts, and celebrations like the dragon dance! Red and gold are lucky colors and are often seen in clothes and decorations.
In the Chinese zodiac, each year is represented by one of 12 different animals. There is also an element that is associated with the animal: fire, water, wood, earth, and metal. Then the cycle repeats itself.
Year of the Dragon, Febrary 10 2024- January 28, 2025
The dragon is considered one of the luckiest in the Chinese zodiac. The dragon symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and power. The forecast for the year is good for everyone. It predicts growth, partnerships, and advancement. It is a year to focus on well-being, collaboration, and pursuing your passions.
The story goes that the Jade Emperor called for a race to determine the order of the 12 zodiac animals. Dragon came in fifth. The Jade emperor asked the dragon why he didn't just fly and come in first. The dragon explained that he had stopped to help some villagers that set him behind. Then, seeing the rabbit struggle on a log in front of him, he decided to help by blowing him to shore ahead of itself.
Besides animals, each year is assigned an element: earth, water, metal, wood, or fire. This year is a Wood Dragon. Wood symbolizes vitality, grown, and flexibility, evoking nature growing in the spring. These characteristics suggest a year of development and rapid growth.
Many cultures aside from China observe the Lunar New Year and have their own traditions. Generally, it's a time to spend with family and enjoy feasts and celebrations like the dragon dance! You can experience it and other traditions at many festivals around the country. Our favorite local spot is Jeng Chi in the heart of Richardson's Chinatown. You can enjoy a lion dance as you eat authentic Taiwanese food! Right outside, the whole shopping center will be celebrating with musical and marital art demos, calligraphy, cultural performances, and more on February 11th.
Chinese teas are a great way to immerse yourself in the culture as you learn about Chinese New Year. We are offering 25% off of all of our ‘dragon-inspired’ teas through February 14th :
One of China’s top 10 tea- this tea is highly sought after. It comes in up to 6 different grades. The most premium can take quite a toll on your wallet. The characteristic flat leaves are shaped by skilled craftsmen as they are pan fired. The best Dragonwells, or longjing, use only buds and very young tender leaves. The flavor profile can range from sweet, creamy, bright vegetal, nutty, and subtly floral. Can’t decide? Get our Dragonwell tasting kit for only $39!
A unique blend of green and lightly oxidized oolong tea. What results is a versatile brew with notes of fresh greens and toasted chestnuts, and it is delicious hot or iced! It is a wonderfu teal to pair with meals.
Silver-green tea and curled leaves evoke the regal dragon. Sourced in Zhejiang, renown for producing great green teas, it reveals a velvety and delicate flavor with subtle floral and sweet green notes.
Check out more Lunar New Year Sale Items!
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