Lunar New Year

Watch as a traditional dragon and lion dance roams throughout the casino beginning at 8PM

Get ready for an enchanting night of music and star-studded performances. This spectacular event brings together some of the most renowned singers and entertainers from Vietnam, offering a dazzling showcase of talent and tradition.

Learn about Lunar New Year

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a deeply rooted cultural celebration observed across many Asian communities. With origins dating back over 4,000 years, it is based on the lunar calendar and begins on the first new moon of the year, typically falling between late January and mid-February. It is a time of renewal, where families come together to honor traditions, pay respects to ancestors, and usher in good fortune for the year ahead. Festivities often include elaborate dragon and lion dances, fireworks to ward off evil spirits, and the giving of red envelopes filled with money to symbolize blessings of wealth and success.

The Year of the Snake, one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, represents wisdom, elegance, and transformation. Those born under this sign are believed to possess traits such as intuition, grace, and resourcefulness. The snake is also seen as a symbol of rebirth and renewal, shedding its skin to embrace new beginnings. In the context of Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake encourages reflection, adaptability, and personal growth, aligning with the festival’s themes of fresh starts and prosperity.

Who Celebrates Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is celebrated by several Asian cultures, each with unique traditions and customs that reflect their heritage. In China, it’s known as Spring Festival, marked by family reunions, red decorations symbolizing luck, and festive dishes like dumplings and fish for prosperity. Fireworks and lion dances are also iconic features of Chinese celebrations.

In Vietnam, the festival is called Tết. Families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and prepare feasts, often including bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes). They also honor ancestors with offerings and give “lì xì” (red envelopes) to children.

Korea celebrates Seollal, a time to pay respect to elders and ancestors through a ceremony called charye. Families wear traditional hanbok, play folk games, and eat tteokguk (rice cake soup), symbolizing aging a year.

In Mongolia, Tsagaan Sar involves visiting elders, sharing traditional foods like steamed dumplings, and exchanging gifts.

Each culture brings its own flavor to Lunar New Year, but the shared focus on family, renewal, and prosperity unites these celebrations across Asia.

What Birth Years are Year of the Snake?

The Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac occurs every 12 years. The most recent Year of the Snake was 2013, and the next one will be in 2025.

Here are the birth years that correspond to the Year of the Snake:

• 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037

People born in the Year of the Snake are thought to possess certain traits and qualities based on the traditional symbolism of the Snake. Here are some key attributes:

Snake Chracteristics:

• Intelligent & Wise: Snakes are associated with deep thinking, wisdom, and intelligence. They are seen as strategic and have a good understanding of situations.
• Charming & Mysterious: People born in the Year of the Snake are often considered to be attractive, charismatic, and mysterious. They tend to have a calm, composed demeanor, which draws people to them.
• Determined & Ambitious: Snakes are also known for their ambition, focus, and persistence. Once they set their mind on something, they work diligently to achieve it.
• Private & Cautious: Snakes prefer to keep a low profile and may avoid sharing personal details. They are highly observant and make careful decisions.
• Perfectionist: They tend to be perfectionists, often striving to create beauty and harmony in their lives, whether in their surroundings or relationships.

Lucky Elements of the Snake:

• Colors: Red, yellow, and black are considered lucky colors for those born in the Year of the Snake.
• Numbers: The numbers 2, 8, and 9 are lucky numbers for Snake people.
• Directions: South and Southeast are considered favorable directions for them.
• Gemstones: Emeralds and jade are often regarded as lucky stones for Snakes.

What's the Chinese Zodiac?

The Chinese Zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with a specific animal. The 12 animals are:

1. Rat
2. Ox
3. Tiger
4. Rabbit
5. Dragon
6. Snake
7. Horse
8. Goat (or Sheep)
9. Monkey
10. Rooster
11. Dog
12. Pig

The Year of the Snake is the 6th animal in the cycle and occurs every 12 years. The year you were born determines your Chinese zodiac sign, but it’s also important to note that the lunar year starts on a different date each year, so it may be different from the standard January 1st.

What should you do when it's your year?

In Chinese culture, the "Ben Ming Nian" refers to the year when you celebrate your own Chinese zodiac sign, and it's considered an especially significant year for you. During your Year of the Snake, there are a few cultural beliefs and practices about what you should or should not do to ensure good fortune:

1. Wear Red

It is traditional to wear red during your Ben Ming Nian. Red is considered a color that brings good luck and protection. You might wear red clothing or accessories, like a red bracelet or red clothing, to shield yourself from negative energy.

2. Seek Blessings

To ensure a prosperous year, people often seek blessings from temples, shrines, or monks during their zodiac year. It’s common to make offerings or pray for good fortune, health, and peace in the coming year.

3. Avoid Major Life Changes

In the Year of Your Zodiac Sign, it is often advised to avoid making major life changes, such as getting married, changing careers, or moving to a new home. This is because it's believed that the energies of the year can bring challenges, and making big decisions might lead to difficulties.

4. Do Good Deeds

People tend to focus on cultivating positive energy during their Ben Ming Nian. Practicing kindness, generosity, and maintaining good relationships is thought to help improve one's fortune and balance any unfavorable energies.

5. Protect Against Negative Energy

In addition to wearing red, some people might carry charms, amulets, or lucky items that are meant to protect them from bad luck during their Year of the Snake. For example, wearing or carrying a talisman related to your zodiac sign might be a way to ward off negative influences.

6. Stay Positive and Mindful

Focus on being mindful, positive, and calm throughout your year. It's a time to reflect on your goals and personal growth, making sure you stay grounded while also avoiding stress or negative thinking.

7. Celebrate with Family and Friends

During your year, celebrate with loved ones, share joy, and focus on gratitude. Chinese New Year is often a time of family reunions, and it is important to strengthen your bonds with those closest to you.

Although these are traditional practices, remember that the way you approach your Year of the Snake ultimately depends on your own beliefs and preferences. The year can be a great opportunity for reflection, growth, and positive energy!