What to expect on the Lunar New Year as we enter the Year of the Rabbit

 The Lunar New Year needs to begin this weekend, and if you've experienced a tumultuous year, you'll be relieved to know that, as the Year of the Tiger comes to a close, the rabbit is traditionally a symbol of hope and peace, possibly indicating a calmer year ahead.

What to expect on the Lunar New Year as we enter the Year of the Rabbit

 It is one of the most important Asian holidays, marked by family reunions, feasting, and gifts. It is also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival.

In California, the festival is being recognized as an official state holiday for the first time.

Here's everything you need to know about the New Year's Eve celebrations observed by over a billion people worldwide.

In California, the festival is being recognized as an official state holiday for the first time.

Here's everything you need to know about the New Year's holiday celebrated by millions of people.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

What does the Year of the Rabbit represent?

Is this also the Year of the Cat?

When is the Chinese New Year?

How can I mark the Lunar New Year?

How will California celebrate the Lunar New Year?

What does the Year of the Rabbit represent?

that the rabbit was pleased with his speed and looked down on those who were slower. Each year is assigned to one of the 12 animals according to the Chinese zodiac system. According to legend, it started out as a plodding ox, but after napping on his way to the Jade Emperor's banquet during a race with other animals, the rabbit arrived to find the ox, tiger, and rat ahead of it, giving it the fourth position in the zodiac calendar.

This sign (2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951) is said to be quick-witted and empathetic. According to the zodiac system, they also have good reasoning skills and enjoy being contemplative, which makes them scholarly. They can also be discreet in the pursuit of their goals, but their cautious demeanor can make them less trusting.

On Friday, a boy walks toward a cat statue in Hanoi's Thong Nhat Park

Is this also the year of the cat?

Yes, while most East Asian countries will be celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, Vietnam will be celebrating the Year of the Cat.

It is unclear why Vietnam has a different tradition than its neighbors. Cats, on the other hand, are much more common in Vietnam than rabbits. Cats are frequently depicted as companions to farmers chasing away pesky rats in folklore and rhymes. Cats, thought to be majestic and capable of warding off evil spirits, are depicted in statues and feline charms to commemorate the new year.

The ox year is also represented differently in Vietnam, where it is represented by a water buffalo.

Recipes for the Lunar New Year, including dumplings, noodles, and soup

When is the Chinese New Year?

The new year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which means it varies from year to year.

The Lunar New Year will be observed on January 22 this year.

The Lantern Festival, a time of reunions and lion dances, will be held this year on February 5.

Children posed for photos with red lanterns at a shrine in Bangkok's Chinatown on Saturday.

How can I mark the Lunar New Year?

Families and friends may have their own special traditions to commemorate the occasion, but there are a few ways to celebrate in common.

Red envelopes, known as "hong bao" in Mandarin, are filled with crisp bank notes and given to children as gifts by elders. Many people wear red or display red-and-gold decorations, which are traditionally associated with good fortune and prosperity.

Fireworks are also popular and are traditionally thought to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. They frequently accompany large parades with floats and lion and dragon costumes. Some people thoroughly clean their homes, get their

Food and feasting are also important parts of the festivities, and family members frequently prepare dumplings ritually together. Meals can have symbolic value. Long noodles, for example, represent hope for a long life, while fish is popular because the Chinese word for fish sounds like the word for surplus, implying plenty for the coming year.

The best things to do in the Washington, D.C. area during the week of January 19-25.

There are numerous ways to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit in the Washington area and across the country. You can greet friends and coworkers with "Gong Hei Fat Choy" in Cantonese or "Xin Nian Kuai Le"