On the first day of the Lunar New Year, today’s Doodle welcomes the Year of the Tiger with bright lanterns, traditional delicacies, and a sense of expectation for what’s to come. People all throughout the world align their new year’s celebrations based on the ancient lunisolar Chinese calendar system, which follows the cycles of the moon and sun, rather than the solar Gregorian calendar.
A new year represents a new beginning, and many customs represent this concept. Ten days before the lunar new year, many people begin cleaning their homes to clear out bad luck from the previous year. Traditional meals associated with good fortune are prepared, such as fish (plenty) and mandarin oranges (auspiciousness). Families exchange lai saw (red banners with messages wishing people luck and prosperity) and adorn their homes with flowers such as peach blossoms, red lanterns, and fai chun (red banners with phrases wishing people luck and prosperity) (red envelopes filled with money).
Happy Lunar New Year, everyone!