When I was a kid, the first day of Lunar New Year felt like a joyful little debut. No script, just perfect cues. You slipped into a brand new red outfit, flashed your brightest “I’m here to bring good luck” smile, and began the rounds to greet relatives.
And the greetings? Definitely not one size fits all.
A fabulous auntie got 青春永駐 (qīng chūn yǒng zhù), a wish that youth stays forever. A respected elder deserved 龍馬精神 (lóng mǎ jīng shén), wishing them the vigor and spirit of a dragon and horse. A business minded relative? 招財進寶 (zhāo cái jìn bǎo), calling in wealth and treasures.
With the right greeting, I could already picture it. A red envelope in my hands, pleasantly plump with lucky money, enough for at least one glorious New Year present. But my mom would always swoop in, collect it, and say, “Let me save it for you.” I’m in my early 40s now, and that legendary little fortune is still “safe” somewhere.
Still, if you ever blanked at the doorway, if your mind went quiet the moment all those expectant faces turned toward you, there was one phrase that was always the most well received.
恭喜發財 (gōng xǐ fā cái)
Translation: “Congratulations, and may you prosper.”
It sounds like a cheerful default, but it is also wonderfully curious. Why “congratulations” at the start of a new year? Congratulations for what exactly?
Cue the legend of the Nian Monster (年獸), dramatic, hungry, and very inconvenient.
Long ago, the story goes, Nian would appear on New Year’s Eve and creep into villages. Families bolted doors, huddled indoors, and hoped to make it through the night. Then one year, a traveler arrived with vital intel. Nian feared the color red, bright light, and loud sound. The villagers got to work, hanging red paper on doorways, lighting lanterns until the night glowed, and making a spectacular racket with drums and firecrackers.
When Nian showed up, it saw the red, blinked at the blazing lights, heard the explosive noise, and panicked. It fled. The next morning, neighbors stepped outside and saw one another safe and smiling. That is the heart of 恭喜, congratulations, you made it into the new year. And then comes 發財, the blessing that follows survival. May the year ahead bring prosperity, luck, and abundance. Practical, right? Over time, the monster repelling toolkit became our beloved festival language: red decorations, bright lanterns, and the exhilarating sounds of drums and gongs during lion and dragon dances.
Many people may see Lunar New Year decorations in public spaces, but what makes Lan Su special is our commitment to helping guests understand the why, the meaning behind what they’re seeing and experiencing through programs, storytelling, and warm, informed interactions. Culture is meant to inspire, invite curiosity, and be celebrated.
I hope you can join us as our Lunar New Year celebration begins on Tuesday, February 17, for three weekends. On opening day, we will kick things off with a God of Wealth character meet and greet, bringing red envelopes to the first 500 lucky visitors to wish you wealth and prosperity in the new year. We will also feature a free lion dance at the Entrance Plaza to wash away the bad luck of the old year and usher in a bright new beginning for the Year of the Fire Horse.
Ah, and speaking of the horse, stay until 11:00am to witness our Zodiac Animal Transition Ceremony between the Snake and the Horse. Yes, we are continuing this Lan Su tradition with a live boa constrictor and a miniature horse in the garden. (We are still working out how to keep them at a safe, healthy distance. The miniature horse is apparently not the biggest fan of the boa, who, I can vouch, is very docile and friendly.)
So, my friend, in the true Lunar New Year spirit, Gong Xi! (恭喜!) Congratulations! You made it through the Year of the Snake. Now let’s shake off the old skin and giddy up into the Year of the Horse.
Come celebrate with us!
Venus Sun
Senior Director of Experience
Lan Su Chinese Garden
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