Lunar new year was created in 104 BCE while Khmer new year was created in the 13th century. Many people see that both new years last either one or two weeks long and here are the reasons for them being so long. 

Lunar new year is about 15 days long, it’s all about spring cleaning and decorating, red envelopes, family reunion dinners, firecrackers, etc. For about a month prior they decorate and clean the whole house. Decoration is usually all red meaning good luck, they have red lanterns, chinese knots, and more! The new year is kicked off when the new year’s eve is and lasts about 15 days until the first full moon arrives. 

Now for Khmer new years it lasts around 3 days, Khmer new year either starts april 13th or april 14th depending on the ancient horoscope. The first day of New year is called Moha SangKran and it can be described simply as the inauguration of the New Angels who come to take care of the world for a one-year period. The second day of New Year is called Wanabot, which means day of offering gifts to the parents, grandparents and elders. Must be nice to be old. The third day is called “Leung Sakk’’ that means the year starts to be counted up from this day, for example it is when the year of 2000 would change and begin to be 2001.

Lunar new year is also known as “beginning of Spring’’ also known as ‘’Spring Festival’’ the reason is because the festival date is in January or February depending on the Chinese solar term. During a half month before they like to clean the house and decorate the place, they spend the time sweeping, mopping, wiping, washing… sometimes the whole family needs to give a hand with the chores to make sure the house is rid of the old year’s dust and is prepared for taking in the fortune of the New Year. 

During Khmer New year they have some similarity with Lunar new year, during the first day of the new year they take the time cleaning, decoaring the house and also preparing fruits and drinks for the new year and to welcome the New Angels at every single home. Elderly people like to meditate or pray the Dharma at that time because they believe that any angel who comes to their houses at that time will stay with them and take care of their family for the whole year. Most Khmer people create food to offer the monks at Khmer temple to get blessed. 

“During Chinese new years I really like that during the first day we make dumplings, inside the dumplings are pennies and each pennie is $1, meaning the more dumplings you eat the more money. Also adding more to that money we get red envelopes the older you are the more money you get’’ Says Tang. 

During the second day of Khmer new year, people will offer first to their grandparents, elders, and parents. People like to share gifts or presents to employees and also donate money or clothes to poor people. In the evening, people went to the temple to build a mountain of sand and ask the monks to give them a blessing of happiness and peace.

Now you know a little more about our culture. I hope you look more into and celebrate it with us!