When the clock strikes midnight and the ball drops in Times Square, the phrase “new year, new me” resonates throughout the United States on the first day of the new year. January 1st symbolizes the universal epitome of the “perfect time for change”; yet in more than 15 countries, the new year begins on February 17th.

In East and Southeast Asia, families gather together for the greatly anticipated Lunar New Year, a time dedicated to channeling prosperity, good fortune, and luck for the year ahead. Based on the lunisolar calendar, the start of the year is determined by the second moon after the winter solstice (the shortest day and longest night of the year). As a result, the Lunar New Year often falls in late January or early February. Entering 2026, it arrives on Tuesday, February 17, as we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.

While Lunar New Year extends into a 15-day celebration, the most prominent day comes before: Lunar New Year’s Eve.

On this day, my mom spends hours making a grandiose dinner—typically eight to twelve dishes to represent balance—while my family rushes to clean the house, do the laundry, and wash our hair before the clock strikes twelve. Once midnight passes, cleaning the house is believed to sweep away good fortune, doing the laundry washes away wealth, and washing one’s hair means rinsing away luck. These mundane tasks shift into actions that hold significant meaning, and while they may seem burdensome on the surface, these silly superstitions have found a place in my heart and in my identity as an Asian-American.

In my home, I celebrate a variation of Lunar New Year called Chinese New Year. The color red is prevalent in the square signs with Chinese lettering hung on the walls of my house, and is especially renowned through the beloved red envelopes that follow a delectable meal. Also known as ‘hongbao’, these red packets contain cash and are given to younger generations by parents, grandparents, and elders. The act manifests prosperity and is to be accepted with two hands, for it shows respect and proper etiquette.

Each year, I am reminded of the traditions that connect me with my culture. Through the food that is shared, stories that are told, and customs that are never forgotten, I discover who I am—surrounded by happiness, heritage, and family, as we count down to the new year together.