ORANGE VILLAGE, Ohio -- For many across Southeast Asia and in Asian communities around the world, Lunar New Year -- not Jan. 1 -- marks the true start of the year.
"It's the biggest holiday of the year," said Emmanuel Oh, general manager at TE'AMO Boba Bar in Pinecrest shopping district. Oh is Korean and his wife is Taiwanese. "Imagine taking Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year and putting them all into one holiday."
Pinecrest will celebrate Lunar New Year on Tuesday, Feb. 17, with an afternoon of cultural performances, games and family-friendly activities in partnership with Lao Sze Chuan restaurant and Te'Amo Boba Bar. The free event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. at 200 Park Ave. in Orange Village.
The festivities begin from 3 to 5 p.m. with free Mahjong play at Lao Sze Chuan. From 5 to 6 p.m., guests can watch a traditional Lion Dance, Chinese dance performances and, weather permitting, Kung Fu demonstrations. Face painting will be available at Te'Amo Boba Bar, and red envelopes containing gift cards to Pinecrest retailers will be distributed while supplies last.
While often referred to as Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year is celebrated across many Asian cultures, including Korean and Vietnamese communities, and is based on the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar used in the United States, explained Oh.
"In Eastern culture, the lunar new year is the true new year because it's based on the moon phases," Oh said. "It comes after 12 moon cycles. That's why the date changes every year."
For many families, the lunar calendar holds deep personal meaning.
"My parents always celebrated their lunar birthdays, not their birth certificate birthdays," he said.
In many Asian countries, businesses close for one to three weeks as families travel home and gather to celebrate. Traditions often include games, testing one's luck, fortune-telling and elaborate festivities meant to usher in prosperity.
"You want to start the new year with as much luck and good energy as possible," Oh said. "The lion dance is meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune."
The lion and dragon are symbols of strength and wisdom across several Asian cultures. Customs can vary: In Chinese tradition, red is worn for good luck and positivity, while in Korean culture, white or blue can symbolize positive energy.
With the Asian community in Northeast Ohio continuing to grow -- and events like the annual Cleveland Asian Festival drawing larger crowds each year -- organizers say they hope Pinecrest's celebration offers both education and connection.
"It's not just Chinese New Year," Oh said. "It's a celebration across the Eastern community. We're glad we can bring it to the broader community outside of the Asian Festival and share that energy with everyone."
This year's celebration falls just days after Valentine's Day, adding to the festive spirit.
"It's all about love, happiness and starting the year off on the right foot," he said. "We're hoping to celebrate Lunar New Year with everyone."
