2022 Lunar New Year: The Year of the Tiger

February marks the start of a tradition dating back 3,500 years. It originated in China. Today, Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, signifies the beginning of the calendar year, letting go of the past and bringing good fortune to times ahead. This year, the holiday begins on February 1 and concludes on February 15. The holiday starts once the first new moon of the lunar calendar appears and ends on the year's first full moon. 

The start date of the holiday varies yearly depending on the moon's cycles, but it usually falls between January 21 and February 20. Each year's celebration is associated with twelve animals representing the Chinese Zodiac signs. The twelve animals consist of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each animal has their distinct features and characteristics. It is the year of the tiger this year. The tiger is a confident animal that represents strength and power. People celebrate the Lunar New Year by participating in parades, dances, creating and decorating their homes with colorful decorations, and popping fireworks.

People also eat dishes that symbolize the new beginnings of the new year. They also travel worldwide to reunite with their families in their hometowns and enjoy traditional dishes like dumplings, rice rolls, and noodles. Tourism in China during the holiday season is vastly popular, as sightseers are determined to explore new places and experience unfamiliar cultures.

According to Statista, 421 million tourists traveled to China during the Lunar New Year in 2019. Chinese consumers spend money on dining, shopping, entertainment, and other necessities during their trips—this increase in income results in overall economic growth for the country. Since the pandemic, China has experienced a decrease in tourism, but the country's biggest holiday is still widely popular. The tradition is so popular that Chinese communities around the world celebrate it.

This year, Houston will be having different events commemorating the Lunar New Year. Several organizations will be hosting festivals and celebrations that are open to the public. Here are a few events to ring in the new lunar year: 

• The Chinese Community Center 2022 Lunar New Year Festival in Houston | Saturday, February 5 | Free9800 Town Park Dr., Houston, TX 77036
  
• Asia Society Texas Center Lunar New Year 2022 | Saturday, February 5 | Free (Registration required) ​​1370 Southmore Blvd. Houston, TX 77004
  
• Lucky Land Lunar New Year 2022 | February 5 and 6 | Price: $10 and $5 for ages 3 to 12 8625 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77037 
  
• Ginger Kale at Hermann Park Dragon Dance Performance | Sunday, February 13 | Free 6104 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

Story by Marc Ray, AARP Texas