Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine (TIM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remain the most ancient yet living traditions. These are the two ‘great traditions’ with sound philosophical, experiential and experimental basis. Ayurveda and TCM have many commonalities. The focus of both systems is on the patient rather than a disease. (1) Also, both of these systems concentrate their attention on the moon cycles in relation to the wellness of the person.
According to these systems, attuning your body and mind to the
Both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine associate the moon (soma/yin) with cooling, nourishing, receptive qualities. Every new moon supports our connection to these peaceful virtues. (2)
What Is the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year is day one of the lunar calendar within the second new moon before the spring equinox moon phase. Every year it is a different date. And in 2019 it falls on February 5th, which is considered to be the beginning of a Zodiac year of Pig. Although people celebrate it in winter, they call it Spring Festival symbolizing the “looks forward to spring“.
How to Prepare for a Lunar New Year?
Chinese people believe that how you start the Lunar New Year affects the whole year. So they are very attentive to this holiday. And there are several traditions involved in the preparation as well as the celebration of the New Year.
First and foremost, they are spending a decent amount of time to get ready for the holiday. Then when the Lunar Year arrives, they celebrate it for 15 days! The festival season stretches from the new moon on New Year’s Day until the full moon on the Lantern Festival.
The main Chinese New Year activities include 1) putting up decorations, 2) eating reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve, 3) firecrackers and fireworks, and 4) giving red envelopes and other gifts. (3)
But here I would like to concentrate on how to prepare for the New Lunar Year and what you should do before the New Year day to start the year right and have it the most amazing yet.
Things to Get Done before the Lunar New Year
Clean
Firstly preparing for a New Lunar Year involves cleaning.
Cleaning the homes and surroundings is a way to clear away all of the previous year’s bad luck. So this is a great time to throw away all unnecessary stuff to empty out space for new, better things to come into your life. Also is the time to finish all tasks that must be
Getting your mind and body ready is as important. It includes clearing up your mind from clotted thoughts, taking your time to reflect and understand what is unnecessary in your life and making peace with that troublesome person in your life. Organize your schedule, write down what is important, then put that on the numbered list according to the priorities.
In addition, the cleanliness of the space around directly affects the way we think. So if your space is a mess, your mind will feel exactly the same way. And when it is tidy, your mind has a clear road to the creative side of you, the Real Self. Therefore, cleaning your house, office space, the car is a great way to prepare for a New Year.
Remember! According to Chinese believes, there’s no cleaning allowed on New Year’s Day, as “this sweeps away good luck”. So it has to be done before the day of the Lunar New Year.
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Prepare to receive
Second, getting ready for a Lunar New Year involves preparation to receive the next year’s good luck.
Traditionally, it is done in the form of decorations that are typically in red because, in the Chinese culture, red color symbolizes happiness, wealth and prosperity while warding off evil spirits and bad luck. (4)
In terms of mind and body, it is a perfect time to be more receptive to the infinite source. Go for a walk and watch nature, try to connect with it. Take your time to slow down, create a space to meditate and practice yoga. And your mind will magically connect to that good luck you are searching for.
Your Best Year Yet
And that is it. It is that simple. Only two steps to get done before the Lunar New Year arrives to start your new life. Just remember, what really matters is the set of mind. Positive thinking and determination will get you to the place you’ve always dreamed about.
And of course, enjoy the New Year’s day itself as well as the next 15 days after that. Make it the best days of your life. Spend your time doing what you want to see this year. If you want to travel- take a trip somewhere. If you want
Conclusion
People widely celebrate Lunar New Year not only in China but worldwide. And many strongly believe that this day can be a new beginning in life. Whether you are a believer of this or not, it is worth following the traditions of cleaning and preparing for the holiday. It will simply help you to organize your thoughts as well as your life if nothing else.
So take a little bit of your time, slow down and reflect on the things that are in your life right now. Separate what is necessary from what is not and you will be able to connect to your True Self and start a new life you always wanted.
Happy Lunar New Year to you all!
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