People around the world are welcoming the first day of the Lunar New Year—the year of the tiger.
In Taiwan, one community celebrated with a traditional ceremony. Amid vibrant performances, a group of distinguished guests pasted a traditional Chinese character onto a board. Symbolizing virtue, it wishes residents good luck in the New Year.
In Malaysia, locals kicked off the Lunar New Year with an especially unique lion dance—under water.
Another dance group, this time in Cambodia, prepared to bring traditional Chinese dragons and lions to life. Ahead of the New Year’s dance, dancers stood in a circle and cheered each other on.
As for food, a Thai dessert shop in Bangkok created dishes for a traditional New Year feast—all from coconut milk jelly. The unique creations include special, molded cakes made to resemble steamed chicken, roast duck, and even pig’s head!
Festivities unfolded in New York City’s Chinatown, too. Chinese communities there gathered to celebrate and pray for a safer and more prosperous year.
U.S. Secretary of State Blinken honored Lunar New Year on the eve of the event, offering a wish to work together in 2022 and build a future of peace and prosperity for all.
The same day, U.S. embassies in the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shenyang, and Wuhan also released holiday videos, wishing Chinese people a happy year of the tiger.
The tiger is one of the twelve animals on the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Tiger begins Feb. 1 and ends Jan. 21, 2023.
Chinese tradition names the tiger the king of all beasts. It’s a symbol of strength, exorcising evils, and braveness.