Dear Arlington friends and neighbors,
Lunar New Year is the most significant celebration of the year in many cultures across Asia and is celebrated by millions of people worldwide. It is a time for gathering with family and welcoming in Spring.
This year the Town of Arlington will celebrate the Lunar New Year on February 2nd at Town Hall from 4:30-6:30 pm. The event will feature traditional celebrations from across Asia, Chinese singing and dancing, and lucky draws. The event is free and open to all, and food will be available for purchase from local Arlington restaurants.
There is a lot to learn about the Lunar New Year! Did you know that the Lunar New Year in Vietnam is called Tet & the zodiac symbol is a cat, not a rabbit? In Korea, the holiday is called Seollal, and it is customary to hide your shoes lest a ghost steals them and curses you with bad luck! Tibet keeps its own lunar calendar; sometimes, Losar (Tibetan New Year) is the same as the Chinese New Year, and sometimes (like this year) it’s a whole month later. According to a Chinese legend, the celebration features fireworks, firecrackers, and red clothing and decorations because thousands of years ago, a monster named Nian would attack villagers at the beginning of the new year. Nian was terrified of bright lights, loud noises, and the color red, so the villagers used those things to chase him away! In the Malay peninsula version of the 12-year animal cycle, the Rabbit is replaced with the Mousedeer (Pelanduk).
Arlington values equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to building a community where everyone is heard, respected, and protected.
Email: ahrc@town.arlington.ma.us
Phone: 781-316-3250
By Mail: 27 Maple Street
Arlington, MA 02476