Lunar New Year aka Chinese New Year is just two weeks away, and if it feels like it has come around extra-quick this year, you’re not hallucinating. Following the lunar calendar, the holiday which signals the new year in Chinese and other Asian cultures falls on different dates every year, most often in February, so its January 29 arrival is indeed a little earlier than usual.
Whether you’re now fully panicking because you’ve been invited to a Lunar New Year party in celebration of the Year of the Snake and have no idea what to wear, or, you’re just little curious about the dress codes around this time, we’ve got you covered.
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Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images
Here’s our guide on what to wear and what to avoid to not only respect the tradition, but maybe also bring yourself a little luck.
What NOT To Wear
The ultimate faux-pas would be to wear white or black. White is actually the colour for mourning so it would be rude to show up at a party in this ghostly hue. Joyful colours are recommended, so try to stay away from black as well. While it might be tempting to wear a silk cheongsam, and there’s inherently nothing wrong with that, sometimes it can be misconstrued as cultural appropriation if it’s being worn like a costume or cosplay. Make sure to check with the host to see what the dress code is ahead of time. And whatever you do, do not wear anything that is distressed or damaged. You are what you wear when it comes to the New Year.
What To Wear
Red, as most people know, is typically the colour associated with luck, blessings and prosperity and is what is traditionally worn during celebrations like New Year and weddings, so go ahead and pile on the fiery hue. The brighter the red the better (so opt for those in tomato tones over burgundy) and wear it all the way down to your undies (yes, seriously!). But if you’re really not into potentially feeling like a fashion traffic cone (fair enough), pink or gold are generally good alternatives for the occasion. Now, this may not be the most sustainable option, but traditionally you’re also meant to wear all-new clothes to ring in the new year. That’s because in ancient times, most families only have one or two sets of clothes to begin with, and the New Year is their one chance to splurge on new items. But of course, times are a’changing so we won’t tell if you don’t.
If you’d like to shoot for an A+ look, perhaps you could invest in an outfit by a Chinese designer that also suits the occasion. Huishan Zhang, for instance, creates dreamy cocktail dresses that could definitely fit the bill, or check out the Chinese designers like Uma Wang, Clot, Tangxindan, Samuel Guì Yang and 1300 by Oscar Wang currently being showcased at Harrod’s annual pop-up with Shanghai-based incubator Labelhood.
When Do The Lunar New Year Traditions Start?
This year, New Year’s Day falls on January 29, but, like Christmas, you might see plenty of festivities kicking off before. New Year’s Eve is a good time to wear red pyjamas if you have some, and from the 29th onward, feel free to wear as much red as you like for the following 15 days.
Do I Need To Bring A Gift To A Party?
While you don’t have to bring a gift, it’s often polite to come bearing one especially if you’re going to the host’s house. Some brands like Trudon and Pandora have created beautiful capsules for the Year of the Snake, which could make for lovely presents. However, there are items you should avoid, including: Mirrors, watches or clocks, shoes, scented candles, cut flowers and anything that comes in fours as these items are typically associated with death.
What Other Traditions Should I Know?
A common misconception is that if this is the year of your zodiac, it means it’ll be a great year for you. Unfortunately, it’s quite the opposite, and so for those born in the Year of the Snake, it’s best to be extra cautious of anything that might cause you physical or financial harm. For the rest of us, there are also a few rules to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition to an auspicious new year.
Clean your flat before January 29, and make sure you get all the Marie-Kondo-ing out of the way, because once New Year’s Day arrives, you won’t be allowed to sweep the floor, clean the dishes or wash your hair because you’ll be “washing away” all the good fortune coming your way.
And finally, it’s tradition to exchange blessings for the new year to everyone you come across that week, so here’s to a happy and healthy Year of the Snake to all of you!