Year of the Tiger

Not everyone celebrates the new year on December 31. Chinese New Year takes place on February 1. Each Chinese New Year has an animal that represents it. This year is the Year of the Tiger. Cora Kahofer, a fifth-grader, celebrates Chinese New Year with her family.

“We play games,” Cora Kahofer states. “We also receive red envelopes which are nice.”

Kahofer explains that she receives red envelopes called the hóngbāo which contain money. Usually, her family goes to a fireworks display, too.

“… the meaning of the fireworks is to scare away the evil spirits, and the color red also scares away the evil spirits. That’s why we wear red or the red envelopes are red,” Kahofer said.

On this holiday, Kahofer’s family eats fish, a traditional meal for good luck, and her mom makes spring rolls.

According to the website History.com, Chinese New Year started in the 14th century B.C. Under Emperor Wu of Han as a way to celebrate the foods people grew. It was also a way to honor the gods.

Ryan Neuschwanter talked with Cora Kahofer and has this podcast: