News
Happy Lunar New Year!
February 1st, 11:55 AM EST
Updated:
Around the world, people began celebrating this February 1, hopes that the Year of the Tiger might bring life back closer to normal and, with any luck, help rid us of the global pandemic.
AUSTRALIA
Lunar New Year celebrations in Australia were subdued amid concerns over COVID-19. Lion dancers performed in front of a small crowd and paraded through a market in Melbourne.
Each year is named after one of twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac in a repeating cycle. The Year of the Tiger follows the Year of the Ox.
It is the third new year celebrated in the shadow of the pandemic. It was two days before the holiday in 20-20 that Wuhan — and its 11 million residents were put on lockdown.
Each year is named after one of twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac in a repeating cycle. The Year of the Tiger follows the Year of the Ox.
It is the third new year celebrated in the shadow of the pandemic. It was two days before the holiday in 20-20 that Wuhan — and its 11 million residents were put on lockdown.
NORTH KOREA
North Korea was the first place to shut its borders, in late January 2020, after cases of COVID-19 first were detected neighboring China. Since then, Pyongyang has not officially reported any cases of COVID-19 to international health authorities.
Regardless, they're celebrating in the snowy capital. The day started with a ritual show of respect at monuments to their past leaders, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
Typical Korean traditional ways of celebrating include family gatherings, special foods, if they can be afforded, and playing traditional games with children. It's also a tradition for elder relations to give a gift of money to children after receiving their greetings. Some people also pay visits to other elders they respect, like former teachers, although the country remains closed to travel because of the coronavirus.
This year there are at least two days of public holiday, Tuesday and Wednesday, for the Lunar New Year in North Korea.
Regardless, they're celebrating in the snowy capital. The day started with a ritual show of respect at monuments to their past leaders, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
Typical Korean traditional ways of celebrating include family gatherings, special foods, if they can be afforded, and playing traditional games with children. It's also a tradition for elder relations to give a gift of money to children after receiving their greetings. Some people also pay visits to other elders they respect, like former teachers, although the country remains closed to travel because of the coronavirus.
This year there are at least two days of public holiday, Tuesday and Wednesday, for the Lunar New Year in North Korea.
VATICAN CITY
Pope Francis sent well wishes to the millions celebrating the holiday worldwide.
Francis said he hoped "in the new year all may enjoy peace, health, and a peaceful and secure life."
Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace above Saint Peter's Square, Francis also mentioned World Leprosy Day, and called for the disease to be destigmatised.
Francis said he hoped "in the new year all may enjoy peace, health, and a peaceful and secure life."
Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace above Saint Peter's Square, Francis also mentioned World Leprosy Day, and called for the disease to be destigmatised.
World Leprosy Day celebrates people who have experienced leprosy, raises awareness of the disease, and calls for an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination, according to the World Health Organization.
