The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a significant event celebrated not only in China but also in many parts of the world, including Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. This festival, which marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar year, is associated with several myths and customs and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in Phnom Penh.
Significance of the Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar year and is associated with several myths and customs. The festival traditionally runs from Chinese New Year’s Eve, the last day of the last month of the Chinese calendar, to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month. In 2023, the Year of the Rabbit, the Lunar New Year fell on January 22.
Celebrations in Phnom Penh
In Phnom Penh, the Lunar New Year is widely celebrated, with various activities taking place across the city. From watching traditional dragon and lion dances snake through the capital to feasting on fabulous food, there are plenty of activities to ring in the Lunar New Year in Phnom Penh.
Traditional Performances
One of the highlights of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Phnom Penh is the traditional dragon and lion dances. These performances are a common part of the festivities and are believed to bring good luck and fortune for the upcoming year.
Food and Feasts
Food plays a crucial role in the Lunar New Year celebrations. In Phnom Penh, many restaurants offer special menus during this period. For instance, Mama Wong’s served all-you-can-eat handmade dumplings, complemented by a dragon dance. NagaWorld’s Hall of Golden Chimes put on a feast throughout the new year period, featuring traditional Chinese New Year food.
Community Events
Several community events are organized across the city to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Factory Phnom Penh, in collaboration with Urban Career Co., Ltd, hosted its first Lunar New Year celebrations with ‘Nostalgic Dream Works’, a two-day event that took revellers back to old Shanghai.
Lunar New Year Traditions
The Lunar New Year is associated with several traditions that are observed during the celebrations. Approximately 10 days before the beginning of the new lunar year, houses are thoroughly cleaned to remove any bad luck that might be lingering inside, a custom called “sweeping of the grounds”. Also on New Year’s day, family members receive red envelopes (lai see) containing small amounts of money. Dances and fireworks are prevalent throughout the holidays, culminating in the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated on the last day of the New Year’s celebrations.
Lunar New Year Food in Phnom Penh
Food is an integral part of the Lunar New Year celebrations. In Phnom Penh, several restaurants offer special menus to mark the occasion. For instance, Mama Wong’s served all-you-can-eat handmade dumplings, complemented by a dragon dance. NagaWorld’s Hall of Golden Chimes put on a feast throughout the new year period, featuring traditional Chinese New Year food. Rosewood also offered a range of decadent delights to ring in the Lunar New Year in Phnom Penh.
Lunar New Year Activities in Phnom Penh
There are several activities that people can participate in during the Lunar New Year celebrations in Phnom Penh. These include watching traditional dragon and lion dances snake through the capital, feasting on fabulous food, and participating in community events. The Factory Phnom Penh, in collaboration with Urban Career Co., Ltd, hosted its first Lunar New Year celebrations with ‘Nostalgic Dream Works’, a two-day event that took revellers back to old Shanghai.
Conclusion
The Lunar New Year is a time of joy and celebration in Phnom Penh. It’s a time when the city comes alive with vibrant performances, delicious food, and community events. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, the spirit of the Lunar New Year remains strong, reflecting the resilience and optimism of the people of Phnom Penh. As we welcome the Year of the Rabbit, we look forward to another year of prosperity, good health, and happiness.
