We are a family that tries to educate our children on as many cultures and traditions as possible. This year we thought it would be great to learn about the traditions and legends that make Lunar New Year the most exciting time of the year in Chinese culture. Lunar New Year is all about togetherness and no other place than Panda Express gets that.
DISCLOSURE: PANDA EXPRESS IS A SPONSOR OF THIS POST. ALL OPINIONS ARE MINE UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.
Lunar New Year falls on January 25 in 2020 but the celebration always lasts around 15 days. That’s 15 days to show and give love, spread good fortune, and spend that time with your loved ones.
8 Ways to Celebrate the Lunar New Year
1. Gather your family and friends for a feast to welcome the New Year.
As you can imagine, spending time with friends and family is the main focus of this celebration.
2. Decorate your home with red.
Red corresponds with fire, symbolizes good fortune and joy.
3. Give Red Envelopes filled with money.
Giving a red envelope is a tradition used to send good luck, and money, to the receiver.
4. Share a wish in honor of the Lantern Festival.
The Lantern Festival occurs on the final day of the Lunar New Year celebration.
5. Wear red.
In Chinese culture, the color red brings good luck and wearing red is even said to drive away evil spirits.
6. Practice the Dragon Dance.
Colorful costumes scare away evil spirits and welcome in the New Year.
7. Clear out last year’s clutter and splurge on new threads.
Set the tone for the new year with a fresh start. Although, dusting is avoided on New Year’s Day, for fear that good fortune will be swept away.
8. Spread wealth, happiness, long life, and togetherness by serving the corresponding foods.
Shrimp represents wealth, chicken for happiness, noodles for long life, and egg rolls for togetherness.
How is Panda Express spreading joy? Keep reading…
Panda Express is giving out free red envelopes during their annual Chinese New Year celebration. Inside you will find a fun puzzle and coupons for free entrees.
Be sure to scan the QR code to have fun with their augmented reality experience called the Celebration of Good Fortune. Five different AR filters provide an interactive way to tap into the culture and symbolism behind Lunar New Year. These include a parade to act as a lion dancer, a game to snack on lucky food, throw firecrackers to ward off evil spirits, a lucky red envelope surprise, and the glow of the Lantern Festival.
The Lunar New Year holiday is at heart about coming together to bring and share joy and good fortune. As a holiday deeply rooted in the Chinese culture, Panda Express is bringing millions of people together to celebrate Lunar New Year through their food, celebrations, and digital experience. And of course, don’t forget your fortune cookie before leaving. You can also purchase an entire bag of them to snack on later or as a midnight snack… not that I do that or anything.
Visit your local Panda Express during the Lunar New Year now until February 8th to join in the festivities and receive your free Red Envelope.
