Lunar New Year is the most significant festival for Chinese communities worldwide, and each region celebrates it in its own way. While northern China is covered in snow, the southern regions enjoy a warmer, sunlit New Year. In Minnan, the festivities are not just about family reunions but also about grand communal celebrations that bring entire villages together.

This year, however, my Lunar New Year took an unexpected turn—I fell seriously ill. I had assumed that basking in the warm sun would keep me in good health, but the relentless post-holiday customs and sheer exhaustion led me to contract the flu, leaving me bedridden. Reflecting on this experience, I started pondering: What makes the Minnan New Year so lively? Why couldn’t the pleasant climate shield me from illness? And what lessons did I learn from this challenging New Year?

The Minnan New Year’s unique traditions begin as early as the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month with the “Sending Off the Kitchen God” ceremony, but the real excitement takes place between the first day of the new year and the Lantern Festival. On New Year’s Eve, families gather to set off firecrackers and welcome the coming year. In Minnan, “keeping vigil for the New Year” is an essential ritual, not only symbolizing bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new but also reinforcing family unity. The biggest celebration, however, happens on the ninth day of the first lunar month, when people flock to temples for the grand “Heavenly Lord’s Birthday” festival, a day considered the “true Minnan New Year.”

Fireworks, temple fairs, and religious processions fill the streets. Unlike many Western countries that have imposed strict bans on fireworks, Minnan embraces the tradition wholeheartedly, creating a dazzling spectacle of lights and sounds. As more cities in Germany and the Netherlands tighten their firework restrictions, Minnan’s continued embrace of this tradition makes its New Year festivities stand out even more.

While northern China remains wrapped in snow and Chongqing experiences biting dampness, Minnan welcomes the new year under a bright, clear sky. The sunshine alone makes it one of the best places to celebrate. In Western countries, winter depression—commonly referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—is a frequent topic of discussion, particularly in high-latitude countries where long winter nights can weigh on people’s moods. Minnan’s winter, however, stays at a comfortable 15-25°C, with plenty of sunshine, making it a blessing for those who crave warmth.

Outdoor activities thrive during the holiday season. In the West, wellness trends like winter outdoor yoga and Cold Plunge Therapy have been gaining popularity as people seek ways to combat the seasonal blues. In Minnan, there’s no need for such extreme anti-cold measures. A simple trip to the beach, enjoying fresh seafood, or even surfing can provide a perfect way to unwind during the New Year celebrations.

If the New Year itself is a time for family reunions, then the post-holiday folk traditions truly put the body to the test. In the days leading up to the Lantern Festival, villages across Minnan hold massive “Walking the Ancient Paths” parades, blending religious rituals, folk performances, and cultural celebrations. These grand processions, filled with temple banners, lion dances, and vibrant displays, take over the streets, drawing thousands of spectators. I had the chance to experience this tradition firsthand in a rural Minnan village this year, and while it was exhilarating, the sheer intensity of the celebrations proved to be overwhelming.

Continuous late nights, long hours on my feet, and the densely packed crowds eventually took their toll. Before I knew it, I had fallen victim to the flu. Interestingly, while Western media has been discussing the upcoming flu season and its impact—highlighted in recent CDC reports—my personal experience was a harsh reminder that even a warm climate cannot offer full protection from seasonal illnesses. I had underestimated my immune system’s limits, believing that Minnan’s sunshine would be my safeguard.

This experience led me to reflect on the importance of maintaining good health, even during times of celebration. The West has seen a rise in post-holiday wellness trends such as intermittent fasting and cold therapy, aimed at helping people recover from festive indulgences. From my personal ordeal, I’ve learned that no matter how vibrant or joyful the celebrations are, taking care of one’s body should always come first.

Lunar New Year is more than just a holiday—it is a reflection of lifestyle and tradition. This year, my Minnan New Year was marked by both joy and hardship, but in the end, it was an experience worth remembering. After all, life often grows through unexpected challenges.

A New Year in Minnan: Tradition, Sunshine, and the Flu

Timeless Melodies, Everlasting Art

Completing Traditions: An Artist’s Thoughts on Chinese New Year