In the heart of my hometown, Lunar New Year ignites a blaze of red, infusing every corner of the city with the spirit of celebration.
Growing up amidst a tapestry of Asian cultures in Richmond—a growing suburb of Vancouver—I’ve always been drawn to the vivid traditions of my classmates and neighbours, each Lunar New Year a kaleidoscope of colour, culinary delights, and festivity.
While I’m not from a part of the world that partakes in Lunar New Year traditions, myself, I’ve been privileged to witness the celebrations firsthand, invited into homes adorned with scarlet lanterns and filled with the aroma of delicacies prepared with love and tradition.
In an effort to celebrate inclusively and not just at that other all-red seasonal celebration, yesterday we brought a little Lunar New Year joy to our alt program classrooms, too. The air was alive with the scent of dumplings and fried rice. Our little classroom kitchen filled with “Can you taste this and tell me if it’s done?” and the laughter of new friendships. Stories were woven together and appreciated. My students glowed in the warmth of sharing their cultures and being invited into others. I spent the afternoon picking up little bits of red paper and scrubbing sauce from desks, but my heart was full.
I woke up today inspired to share the joy. So, in today’s mood board, I invite you to join me on a crimson reverie. From snapshots of seasonal blooms to cityscapes to one of my favourite icons, the maneki neko, let's explore the beauty and richness of Lunar New Year.
P.S. Here are a few more places to explore:
Read last season’s e-zine here. The winter edition will be coming soon!
Shop my closet here. If you’re not in Canada but something catches your eye, send me a message on Instagram or shoot me an email at bysarahrenee@gmail.com
Come hang out with me on TikTok which is pretty much the only social media I can tolerate these days. If you need a little convincing, I have ten reasons here.