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The scent of foung pan, those famous red peanut pastries, draws curious onlookers. Under the skilled hands of at least eight volunteers, these small delicacies take shape, ready to melt in your mouth. “You have to mix the three flours with hot water and then knead, then get the right consistency, then make small sections of mini foung pan,” explains Cécile. “It’s good, a little sticky, for me it’s okay, it’s not too sweet,” admits Isabelle.
Beyond the culinary delights, the Lunar New Year celebrations offer a glimpse into cultural traditions. Eleven-year-old Eva, captivated by the lucky charms on display, chose a souvenir depicting a horse. “I came to look at little things that I like… I’m going to choose maybe a keychain with a horse on it,” she said. Her mother, reflecting on the importance of cultural heritage, noted, “I think as a parent and a Chinese person from Tahiti, it’s good to instill Chinese values in them.”
This year’s Lunar New Year, commencing , ushers in the Year of the Horse – specifically, the Year of the Fire Horse. Celebrations are unfolding across Asia and in diaspora communities worldwide, marked by fireworks, lion dancing, temple visits, and even the incorporation of modern technology like robots into the festivities. More than a billion people are participating in the 15-day Spring Festival, a period steeped in tradition and symbolism.
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, isn’t confined to China. It’s widely celebrated in South Korea (as Seollal), Vietnam (as Tet), and countries with significant overseas Chinese populations like Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The festival’s roots stretch back approximately 3,500 years, originating from a legend about a monster named Nian who terrorized villagers annually. Loud noises, fire, and the color red were traditionally used to ward off the beast, practices that continue to be central to the celebrations today.
The Chinese zodiac plays a crucial role in the Lunar New Year. Each year is associated with one of 12 animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The cycle repeats every 12 years. This year’s designation as the Year of the Fire Horse adds a particular nuance. The combination of the “Bing” heavenly stem (representing the big sun) and the “Wu” earthly branch (the Horse) is believed to bring a cycle of heightened passion, boldness, energy, and courage.
The zodiac isn’t uniform across all countries. While most follow the Chinese system, Vietnam’s zodiac replaces the Ox with the Buffalo and the Rabbit with the Cat. Thailand’s zodiac omits the Dragon, substituting it with a Naga, a mythical serpent-like creature. However, the core concept of animal representation remains consistent, providing a framework for understanding personality traits and predicting fortunes for those born under each sign.
For those born in 2026, it’s a year to embrace the qualities associated with the Horse: energy, independence, and a pioneering spirit. Children born in 2025 were under the sign of the Snake, while those arriving on or after , will be Goats. The significance of the zodiac extends beyond mere birth years; it influences beliefs about luck and destiny, particularly in relation to the positions of the Tai Sui – stellar deities thought to rotate parallel to Jupiter.
The celebrations themselves are rich in tradition. Beyond the food and festivities, many participate in activities like counting on an abacus, learning the intricacies of mahjong, or commissioning personalized calligraphy. These practices serve as a connection to the past, reinforcing cultural identity and passing down traditions to future generations. The Lunar New Year isn’t simply a change of calendar; it’s a reaffirmation of values, a celebration of family, and a hopeful look towards the future, guided by the spirit of the Fire Horse.
The Year of the Horse is expected to be a dynamic one, filled with opportunities for those willing to embrace change and pursue their goals with courage. As communities around the globe come together to celebrate, the Lunar New Year serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of cultural traditions and the universal desire for a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead.
