Year of the Dragon: Celebrate Lunar New Year in Oklahoma City
The Lunar New Year starts this week on Saturday, Feb. 10. This year, the honorary dragon takes center stage.
Lunar New Year is celebrated worldwide by millions of people. The holiday refers to the date according to the lunar calendar, followed internationally by China, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea and many Middle Eastern countries.
Oklahoma City is home to thousands of Asian residents ready to partake in the celebration. The Better Life is here to share our insights on Lunar New Year practices, events and activities you can participate in throughout the city.
Decorations and customs
Decorating your home is ideal for the New Year. Plants, flowers and snacks are all commonly found in a home for the celebration. Popular plants and flowers such as bamboo, chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms and orchids symbolize strength, good fortune, growth and longevity. You can find these items at any local Asian supermarket.
A traditional gift for Lunar New Year in the Asian culture comes in a red envelope. These envelopes usually have money inside – a sign of luck, prosperity and wealth. The elders and adults give these lucky envelopes to the young to spread the message towards a new year. Visiting family and friends, along with sharing a meal and conversation, all play a part in the holiday's significance.
Churches and temples
Religious establishments such as local churches and Buddhist temples participate in Lunar New Year. Special prayer services, events and games are held at select locations. Food offerings are typically scheduled after services, with proceeds going to charities or other service sectors in the archdiocese or monastery. This is an opportune time to connect with religious leaders and volunteers within the community. Be sure to check the bulletin at your church or temple for news on Lunar New Year gatherings and festivities.
Venues and dragon dances
Nothing kicks off the Lunar New Year celebration and draws a crowd quite like hearing the beat of drums, seeing fireworks sparkle and a special dragon dance performance. The Myriad Botanical Gardens is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to a dragon dance performance, there will also be a martial arts show, food trucks, face painting and vendors on hand. If you happen to miss the excitement at Myriad Botanical Gardens, notable businesses and restaurants across the metro such as VII Asian Bistro and Nhinja Sushi will have dragon dancers scheduled to perform at their locations.
Activities at home
You will hear the celebration outside, but the party and fun continue inside. Ideas for celebrating Lunar New Year at home are full and plenty. Don’t know your Chinese zodiac sign? If you’re curious to know your sign, now is the right time. There are many online sources that will help pinpoint your animal zodiac based on your birth year. Compare the characteristics of your sign with your true self to friends and loved ones – we can promise a start of some humorous reactions and conversations! Something to remember: Your zodiac is celebrated and cycled every 12 years.
A popular game played on Lunar New Year is Bầu Cua (also known as “animal chess”). This game is purely based on chance as you put a wager on any of the six characters on the playing mat. Three dice are rolled with characters imprinted on each face. The revealing characters will determine the winners, then resetting the rounds of play until the end is decided. Other activities to consider are bingo and various card games. Have an exciting time and press your luck in hopes of building your New Year’s fortune!
Organizations
Although Lunar New Year is the biggest celebration in Asian culture, there are dedicated events happening in Oklahoma City during the year. For information and resources involving our community, stay up to date with the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Asian District Cultural Association.
To all the dragons and everyone taking part in the Lunar New Year, we wish you the best in making this New Year one to remember. As we say in Vietnamese – “Chúc mừng năm mới!”
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