Happy Ox-picious Lunar New Year - Chuc Mung Tet 2009

by A. Tran | January 24, 2009 at 08:26 am

2769 views | 92 Recommendations | 20 comments

The Empire State Building is lit up in red and yellow to usher in the Year of the Ox, the lunar new year that is celebrated by Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean people around the world.

The special lighting will run from Friday evening to Monday night, Jan. 23 - 26.

It is an Ox-picious year to welcome the new president for Americans.

The new year marks the Year of the Ox, a symbol of prosperity, fortitude, harmony and hard work. It is one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.

Large Vietnamese communities in California and Texas mark this annual celebration with parades, traditional dragon dances, and music to share with all celebrants. It's also customary for each home to have plenty of flowers including orchids.

New York Chinatown marks the event with traditional lion and dragon dance. According to legend, the lion is a symbol of power, majesty, and courage, capable of warding off evil spirits.

Since the lion is the ninth son of the dragon and believed to be the best guard, which perhaps will explain why lions are seen in front of royal palaces in ancient time, and in modern time, buildings, offices, and residences.

To Vietnamese readers around the world, Chuc Mung Tet (Happy New Year), and warm greetings to those Vietnamese who were once stateless refugees and were recently granted entry into Canada, Chao Cac Bang va Chuc Mung Tet (Greeting and Happy New Year), and to others, Happy New Year from this writer.

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Albert Milliron

at 08:33 on January 24th, 2009

What an excellent work. I learned a great deal from your story. Recommended to all. Thank You

A. Tran

at 10:41 on January 24th, 2009

Thanks so much Politisite for your comment and recommendation. There are many large Vietnamese American communities in your home state that will be celebrating early over this weekend. Happy Lunar New Year

Jordan Yerman

at 08:35 on January 24th, 2009

Gung Hay Fat Choy.

Chinatown's New Year's parade is awesome. A few years ago, my sister-in-law nearly set my jeans ablaze with hastily-thrown fireworks. This year's parade will be on Sunday, February 1st.

Albert Milliron

at 08:50 on January 24th, 2009

Gung Hay Fat Choy??? Yeah happy Saturday to you too?? LOL

A. Tran

at 12:56 on January 24th, 2009

Although the phonetic Chinese words to wish Happy New Year might seem peculiar to some, nevertheless, I am quite certain that Jordan's well wish to Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean people from around the world, not to mention several billions inside China appreciate a very nice gesture.

Happy Ox-picious Lunar New Year to everyone ... :-)

A. Tran

at 09:54 on January 24th, 2009

Happy New Year to you, Jordan, and in Vietnamese, Chuc Mung Tet. Cheers and thanks.

Thanks so much also for your recommendation and comments. :-)

158

at 09:13 on January 24th, 2009

I knew this, and have seen a few celebrations but

good story, good pictures, and Happy New Year.

A. Tran

at 09:17 on January 24th, 2009

Thanks 158 for your comment, well wishes, and recommendation.

Uwe Paschen

at 09:21 on January 24th, 2009

It is one of the best times of the Year and it will be a lucky year as well.

A. Tran

at 10:02 on January 24th, 2009

Thanks Paschen for your comment and recommendation.

Karen Hatter

at 11:49 on January 24th, 2009

Chuc Mung Tet, Pythiian1!

A. Tran

at 12:27 on January 24th, 2009

Thanks so much Karen for reading, well wishes, and your recommendation. Chuc Mung Tet to you and yours ...

Amy Judd

at 11:52 on January 24th, 2009

That is a gorgeous photo! Thanks for this coverage - it sounds like a really fun event. For people born under the ox, is this an even more special occasion for them?

A. Tran

at 13:48 on January 24th, 2009

Thanks Amy for your comment and recommendation.

It is really fun and the food is delicious. Yes, it is quite special for those born in the year of the Ox, just as for those who are born under each of the 12 animals. It's an equal opportunity celebration for everyone.

harringtola

at 20:41 on January 24th, 2009

Never too many Happy New Year messages for me. I love the image of the Empire State Bldg. It is gorgeous in Red. More gorgeous than any of the models on the runways during Fashion Week.

A. Tran

at 18:44 on January 25th, 2009

Thank you so much for reading, your comments and recommendation. Happy Lunar New Year.

danesller0127

at 12:59 on January 25th, 2009

The Chinese New Year or 'The Lunar New Year', This the unique celebrations for strengtening Chinese unity, as other races join the celebrations... Thank you! Pythiian 1' for sharing this great story...

Kung Hei Fat Choi! :D

A. Tran

at 18:44 on January 25th, 2009

Thank you so much for your comments and recommendation.

With due respect, as you might have noticed, there are two other sovereign countries, Korea and Viet Nam who happen to share the same lunar calendar with China. Happy Lunar New Year cheers.