As the lunar new year dawned this weekend, a fascinating mosaic of celebration and struggle emerged across the globe. From the ancient temples of Asia to the war-torn streets of Gaza, the occasion highlighted both the enduring power of tradition and the challenges many still face in upholding it.
A Festival of Contrasts
Perhaps nowhere was this contrast more apparent than in the Gaza Strip, where Palestinian refugees marked the new year by waiting in long lines along the Salah al-Din Road, hoping to return to their homes after a tenuous ceasefire. Just a short distance away in Shantou, China, however, costumed dancers gathered at ancestral temples to perform the traditional Yingge dance – a vibrant display combining martial arts and opera – as they have for centuries.
No matter where or how it’s celebrated, the lunar new year remains a powerful symbol of renewal – a chance to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future.
– Liu Wei, Professor of Asian Cultural Studies
Rituals Old and New
These intentions took myriad forms in different corners of the world. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, divers staged an elaborate underwater lion dance at the Aquaria KLCC oceanarium – a modern twist on an ancient ritual believed to bring good fortune. Half a world away in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, new year’s revelers lined up to smash old plates and electronics in a “rage room,” finding catharsis in destruction before the dawn of a new cycle.
Faith and Festivity
For many, the holiday was also an opportunity to reaffirm their faith. Thousands of devotees flocked to the Kiri Vehera Buddhist stupa in Sri Lanka to offer prayers and light oil lamps. In Basra, Iraq, Shiite Muslims held symbolic funeral processions for the revered Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, marching on foot to reach his shrine in Baghdad.
- Cambodia: Over 1 million people visited the Angkor Wat temple complex for new year prayers and offerings
- Taiwan: Record crowds gathered at Taoist and Buddhist temples to pray for health and prosperity in the new year
Preserving Heritage
Alongside these sacred rites, cultural heritage also took center stage. Performers in elaborate costumes paraded through the streets of Pernik, Bulgaria as part of the Surva folk festival, a cherished celebration of Balkan traditions. In Taicang, China, dancers staged a colorful dragon dance dating back to the 17th century, drawing crowds of all ages.
| Location | Tradition | Origin |
| Nuanquan, China | Da Shuhua molten iron throwing | 500+ years ago |
| Bali, Indonesia | Ngelawang Barong dance | 16th century |
| Auckland, New Zealand | Lantern festival | 1990s |
Hopes Amid Hardship
Yet even as many reveled in beloved customs, the weight of current events cast a shadow. In Gaza City, Palestine, civilians displaced by conflict waited in the cold to enter the restricted Netzarim Corridor area, their dreams of a peaceful new year tempered by the realities of war. And in Los Angeles, USA, incarcerated firefighters battled the aftermath of the deadly Hughes blaze, spending the holiday away from their loved ones.
For those facing crisis or separation, the new year is more than a festive occasion – it’s a lifeline of hope that better days lie ahead.
– Maria Núñez, humanitarian aid worker
As the weekend drew to a close and the lunar new year officially began, one message rang out across the globe: no matter the challenges we face, the promise of renewal that this ancient holiday embodies has the power to sustain and inspire us. In a world too often divided, the diverse yet universal spirit of the lunar new year serves as a reminder of the ties that bind us all.
