Lunar New Year & Eastern Tradition
You’ve seen us talk about Jalan Facial Spa’s influences of modern skincare and Eastern tradition, rooted in nature with our green practices and natural products.
In the west, the Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year are often conflated, but there are slight differences. They don’t always fall on the same date, though this year they do: February 12, 2021.
Lunar New Year
Typically falling in late January or early February, the Lunar New Year is celebrated across China, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan and other East Asian countries. It’s typically celebrated with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later with the first full moon.
East Asian tradition is to thoroughly clean ones home to sweep away bad luck. Dances and fireworks are part of celebrations, culminating in the Lantern Festival celebrated on the last day of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Chinese New Year
Sometimes referred to as Spring Festival, marking the end of winter and beginning of the spring season. The first day of the Chinese New Year begins when the new moon appears in late January or early February. It’s one of the most important holidays in China and incorporates several myths and customs geared toward releasing old, ill-fortunes to embrace good luck, wealth, happiness, and longevity. It’s origins date back to Emperor Yao’s rule during China’s bronze age, 2333 - 2234 B.C.
Year of the Ox
You may already be familiar with the zodiac animals representing each Chinese New Year. 2021 is represented by the Ox, the second of the zodiac animals. In terms of yin and yang, the Ox is yang, the “male” principle associated with heaven, heat, and light.
The Ox represents a deeply valued animal for its role in agriculture and traits as hardworking, honest, loyal, and humble.
Element of Metal
2021 is represented by the element of metal. Metal encompasses the force of gravity, minerals within the earth, patterns of the stars, conductivity, and magnetism. While metal has structure, it can also take new forms when molten. It is represented by the color white and is determined, strong, forceful, self-reliant, and sophisticated. It is associated with the lungs, the planet Venus, and is symbolized by the White Tiger.
Reflection & Growth
To learn more about the Chinese and Lunar New Years, including how it is celebrated, traditions, cuisines and more, follow this link.
With every new year, there’s an opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation. When you’re ready for your moment of zen, we’re here to welcome you as you reflect and restore in preparation for another year of growth.