This Chinese New Year, which starts on Friday, heralds the Year of the Ox.
The holiday is part of the Lunar New Year and marks a new annual start for many Asian cultures. But the celebration, which traditionally brings families together in large groups, looks different for some this year.
Amid pandemic constraints to the coronavirus, major cities range from Hong Kong from Melbourne to New York City have canceled parades, festivals and fireworks displays that typically draw large crowds. So people all over the world are sharing on social media their own way of celebrating the holiday, which is called Seollal in Korea, Tet in Vietnamese, Losar in Tibetan, and Tsagaan Sar in Mongolian.
From dressing up pets in costumes typical of traditional lion dance parades to intimate family dinners, many people have found ways to change traditions and incorporate social detachment while continuing to celebrate despite the pandemic.
In some of the posts, people are seen without a mask or sitting nearby as some Asian countries see infection rates low enough to relax or remove some preventative measures.
In any case, gifts and good deeds remain an important part of the holiday.
Schools, landmarks, hospitals, and even San Francisco’s famous trolleys were decorated to celebrate.
Instead of street parades, some dogs continue the tradition of lion dancing.
Family portraits often fit into smaller frames this year, as elaborate family reunion dinners were often replaced with more intimate meals due to social aloofness.
But food was still central.
Even though it wasn’t always the meal they’d hoped for …
People shared on social media how they celebrated Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
Korean social media users posted images of food and gifts for their parties this year.
Suzanne Ciechalski and Caroline Radnofsky contributed.