Year Of The Water Tiger
Posted by Dr. Alda Ngo
Growing up, the Lunar New Year was the biggest holiday for my Vietnamese – Canadian family.
I continue to love that it’s about beginning anew & taking the opportunity to intentionally invite blessings of health, growth, abundance & prosperity. I appreciate the mindful reminder to invite new possibilities.
I find joy in these Lunar New Year traditions & I have come to love them. May you use also use them as a framework for being present with intentions as the new year begins:
DANCING
The lunar new year is traditionally marked with a lion dance – complete with loud drums & fire crackers, which are meant to ward off bad luck & clear negative energy. I like to have my own little ‘lion’ dance party, complete with my own favourite raucous music. Dancing with reckless abandon is one of my favourite ways to release tension from the body.
FRESH THREADS
Traditionally, we start the new year fresh with a new outfit. Typically, we choose something red – symbolizing ripeness, abundance, happiness & good luck.
SPRING CLEANING
On the eve of the lunar new year, we clean our homes – sweeping out bad luck & stale energies that have accumulated from the previous year that can hide in nooks & crannies. We clear out old cobwebs to make space for good luck as well as new & fresh possibilities. We also wash & repair windows so that we may see with clarity.
SPECIAL LUNAR NEW YEAR FOODS
We ring in the new year with these special & symbolic foods:
- Whole fish, which symbolizes a harmonious & whole family, as well as unity for the coming new year.
- Clear broth to symbolize clarity of mind & body for the new year.
- Oranges, with their round shape & golden colour symbolizing good luck & abundance.
- Long noodles representing longevity.
COMMUNITY
Lunar new year is a time for reunion with family & friends, to begin the year in community, collectively expressing our happiness & gratitude.
THE WATER TIGER
2022 is the year of the Water Tiger. It’s considered an auspicious year of strength & courage. Water Tigers are known for their intelligence, humour, stability, kindness & sociability.
May the year of the Water Tiger begin beautifully for you!
