Lunar New Year celebrations have started in Colorado, marking the arrival of the “Year of the Snake.” The snake is the sixth animal in the Chinese Zodiac, and it holds powerful meanings such as complexity, mystery, transformation, and wisdom. Just like how a snake sheds its skin, the Year of the Snake is a time to let go of old habits, making room for renewal, growth, and positive change.
In Colorado, various celebrations are taking place across cities like Denver and Aurora, with locals coming together to honor the cultural traditions of Lunar New Year.
The Meaning of the Year of the Snake
In Chinese culture, the Year of the Snake symbolizes deep wisdom, the building of resources, and shedding old patterns for personal transformation. It is believed that those born under the Snake sign are clever, intuitive, and wise. As a year that encourages people to embrace change, the Year of the Snake invites individuals to reflect on their lives and seek renewal.
The snake is also known for its ability to adapt to different environments, just as people can grow and evolve when they embrace new opportunities. It’s a time to leave behind what no longer serves you, paving the way for better things to come. This year is seen as an opportunity for prosperity and abundance, making it a time to focus on long-term goals.
Celebrations at the Far East Center in Denver
Preparations for the Lunar New Year celebrations began early last week at the Far East Center in Denver, one of the city’s well-known cultural hubs. The shopping complex was filled with fresh fruit, flowers, and decorations, offering a taste of the vibrant and colorful traditions that define Lunar New Year.
Mimi Luong, the co-owner of Truong An Gifts, shared her excitement about the celebration. “You get to celebrate the cultural side,” she said. “The celebration of just welcoming in a New Year, a vibrant year full of good luck and change.”
One of the highlights of the Lunar New Year celebrations is decorating homes with red and gold, symbols of good fortune and wealth. “Every year, we celebrate by decorating our home with lots of red and gold,” Luong explained. “We also eat long noodles so that we can have a long life, and dumplings for abundance.”
The Far East Center’s celebrations will continue throughout the weekend, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional customs, food, and cultural activities. It is a great opportunity for both locals and visitors to come together and celebrate the beginning of a new year with friends and family.
Celebrating Lunar New Year at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora
Aurora is also joining in the Lunar New Year festivities, with one of the local restaurants, Chi Lin Asian Eatery, offering a unique promotion. The eatery, known for its vibrant Asian dishes, is giving away red envelopes to customers who spend $100 or more from now until Sunday. The envelopes, which are symbols of good fortune, contain surprises like free appetizers, and the grand prize is a $100 gift card.
Angela Chung, the owner of Chi Lin Asian Eatery, explained why she loves celebrating Lunar New Year with the community. “The reason why I started in the restaurants is because I wanted to share my culture with the community,” she said. “To see everyone come out and support and reciprocate that love for us and just wanting to be a part of the culture and learning about it means so much to me.”
For Angela, it is more than just about food—it’s about sharing traditions, spreading joy, and embracing the cultural richness of Lunar New Year. By participating in these special promotions, customers not only get to enjoy delicious food, but they also get to experience the joy of giving and receiving good fortune in the form of red envelopes.
The Significance of Red Envelopes
Red envelopes are one of the most iconic symbols of the Lunar New Year celebrations. In Chinese culture, red is considered an auspicious color that represents happiness, wealth, and good luck. The envelopes are typically filled with money, but they can also contain other types of gifts such as coupons, free items, or special discounts. The act of giving and receiving red envelopes symbolizes the sharing of good wishes and prosperity for the coming year.
These envelopes are exchanged between family members, friends, and business partners as a gesture of goodwill. The practice is not just a way to give gifts, but it also strengthens social ties and fosters positive relationships within the community.
Events and Celebrations to Look Forward to
The Far East Center in Denver will hold its official Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event promises to be a fun-filled day with cultural activities, food stalls, traditional performances, and more. It’s an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to experience the joy and excitement of Lunar New Year.
Meanwhile, the Stanley Marketplace celebration will take place on Sunday, offering more chances to enjoy festive promotions, sample delicious Asian dishes, and join in on the excitement of welcoming the Year of the Snake.
Both events are family-friendly and open to the public, making them great opportunities to celebrate Lunar New Year with loved ones while learning more about Chinese culture and traditions.
Conclusion
The Lunar New Year celebrations in Colorado are in full swing, and they bring the “Year of the Snake” to life with vibrant traditions, delicious food, and fun activities. This time of year symbolizes new beginnings, personal growth, and the chance to embrace positive change. Whether you’re attending an event at the Far East Center or celebrating at Chi Lin Asian Eatery in Aurora, there’s plenty to enjoy and experience as the community comes together to honor the cultural significance of Lunar New Year.
As we enter the Year of the Snake, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on the lessons of the past year and look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future filled with growth and transformation.