Key Takeaways:
– Hundreds of millions of Asians celebrated the Lunar New Year marking the Year of the Snake.
– The festivities saw record travel figures as people returned home to spend the holiday with their families.
– Despite severe snow in South Korea disrupting travel, the festive spirit remained undimmed.
– The joyful mood spread into space with greetings from Chinese astronauts on the Tiangong space station.
Asia Celebrates Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year, a significant cultural festival in Asia, rang in the Year of the Snake this Wednesday. Across Asia, people participated in lion dances, prayer rituals and incense offerings from Beijing to Bangkok and Taipei.
In China, the holiday which marks the arrival of Spring Festival saw a celebration frenzy. With an eight-day public holiday in place, people used this opportunity to attend traditional performances, set off fireworks, and most importantly, share meals with loved ones.
China Buzzing with Festivity and Travel Bustle
Train stations and airports across China were packed as the annual migration saw millions returning home to spend the holidays. This festive period witnessed a record travel surge to celebrate with family and friends. Cold weather didn’t stop Beijingers from filling temples and parks to welcome the Year of the Snake with prayers and dances.
High streets, shopping malls, and homes were adorned with festive red banners, a sight mirrored across Southeast Asia, from South Korea to Singapore. Red is believed to ward off evil and is indicative of the festive spirit that encapsulates the holiday.
Temple Visits Mark New Year’s Day
In Taiwan, Wednesday morning was a beehive of activity at local temples. People offered fruits, sweets, and even crackers as they partook in customary prayers for good fortune.
Chen Ching-yuan, a young woman who visited Longshan Temple in Taipei, expressed her wish for a peaceful, healthy year. Kao Meng-shun, from Fusing Temple in Yunlin County, joined many in lighting incense in a race for good luck.
In the Thai capital Bangkok, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, an esteemed Chinese temple, welcomed crowds of locals and tourists alike.
Travel Disruption Amid Lunar New Year Celebrations
Despite the festive spirit, travel disruptions were a prevalent issue. In South Korea, heavy snowfall affected train, plane, and bus schedules as families travelled across the country. Roads were strewn with snow-covered vehicles; the journey from Seoul to Busan, which usually takes about four hours, ran over seven hours due to weather conditions.
Despite these issues, many people chose to travel abroad. By February 2, over 2.1 million are expected to be flying out of Incheon International Airport, marking a record for the holiday season.
Across the Universe: Lunar New Year Greetings
The Lunar New Year celebrations extended beyond Earth. From aboard the Tiangong space station, Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze sent heartwarming greetings to their fellow citizens. Dressed in blue jumpsuits embellished with red cloud patterns, the crew formed a heart shape above their head, wishing for everyone’s dreams to come true in the new year.
So, even though a few snowstorms might have caused some trouble on the ground, the entry into the Year of the Snake was as vibrant and joyous as ever, from Earth to space, signifying the undying spirit of Lunar New Year festivities.
Hope you got the roundup of how Asia welcomed the Year of the Snake. It’s all about joyous celebrations, family reunions, traditions, and some travel challenges met with unwavering festive spirit. So, let’s welcome the Year of the Snake with positivity and hope for a wonderful year ahead.