Happy Lunar New Year! It is a time for new beginnings, good fortune, and delicious food with close friends. And not just for humans – our furry friends deserve to partake in the festivities too! Dogs are considered lucky animals in Chinese culture, so it’s only fitting to give dogs the royal treatment this Chinese New Year.
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a traditional holiday celebrated in Chinese culture rich in history. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar.
For the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, people clean their homes, decorate with red and gold ornaments, and prepare special dishes for the celebration. If you have attended or have seen Lunar New Year celebrations you may have seen various customs and traditions such as lion dances, red decorations, and family gatherings.
Chinese Zodiac Animals
Each Lunar New Year is also associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. Chinese zodiac years include, in order rat, oxen, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
According to legend, animals came down from the heavens to participate in the Jade Emperor’s race. The first-place winner, the rat, was rewarded with the first year of the zodiac calendar, and so on. Each year, each of the 12 animals takes center stage. It’s believed that people share similar personality traits with their zodiac animal, and each new year brings different fortunes depending on which animal is ruling the year.
If you’re curious about your own Chinese zodiac sign, it’s easy to find out which zodiac animal you are based on your birth year!
Why Dogs Are Lucky
In Chinese culture, dogs hold a special place for having a loyal personality and are brave and honest creatures. They are also symbols of good luck and protection. People born in the Year of the Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 and so on) are believed to inherit these personality traits.
So why are dogs lucky? In Chinese culture, they symbolize good fortune, wealth, and prosperity – all things we wish for in the new year.
Celebrating with Your Dogs
So my fellow dog people, how can you include your furry friends in this year’s Lunar New Year celebration? Here are some ideas to make it an extra special and paws-perous celebration for your fiercely loyal dogs:
- Festive Lunar New Year Fest For Your Dogs
- Dress Your Dog in Paw-some Red Attire
- Give Your Dog the Royal Treatment
Festive Lunar New Year Feast For Your Dogs
Chinese New Year is all about abundance, good luck, and prosperity, so why not whip up a special feast for your dog? If you’re feeling fancy, make some homemade dog dumplings or your own dog treats with this dog treat maker. Be to use foods that are safe for dogs to eat and always check with your vet before feeding your dog any new foods.
If you’re like me and don’t have time to put in more effort, here’s the plate we made for our dog to celebrate Chinese New Year for dogs.
Sweet Potato Longevity Noodles
In Chinese culture, noodles are associated with longevity which is why they are also traditionally eaten on birthdays. The long, unbroken strands of noodles are believed to represent a wish for a long and prosperous life ahead.
Indulge in the chewy and satisfying taste of these glass noodles, without any worries about gluten. These gluten-free noodles are delicious and conveniently packed for quick preparation.
Prosperity Fish
The Chinese word for fish, “yú” (鱼), sounds similar to the word for abundance or surplus, symbolizing a wish for a prosperous and plentiful life. As a result, fish is considered a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. It is often served during festive occasions, including Chinese New Year and weddings, to wish for a plentiful and prosperous year ahead.
Life Giving “Sea” Cucumber
Sea cucumber in Chinese is “haishen,” which sounds similar to “sheng,” meaning “give birth” in Chinese. This association has led to the belief that consuming sea cucumbers may bring blessings and fertility. We used a regular, English cucumber in place of a sea cucumber but you get the idea.
Mango of Peace
My dog loves mangoes, so I love any excuse to give her mango as a treat. The Chinese word for Mango is “xiang,” which sounds like the word for “auspiciousness.” As such, it is believed that mangoes bring peace and harmony making it a fitting treat to share with your dog during Lunar New Year festivities..
Abundance Pumpkin Biscuit
While pumpkin is not a traditional food in the Lunar New Year feast, it is becoming more popular in recent years due to its symbolism of abundance and prosperity. The round shape and golden color of the pumpkin are reminiscent of gold coins, symbolizing wealth and abundance.
These treats are baked exclusively with wholesome, natural ingredients and never anything artificial. Each recipe offers locally sourced ingredients and a delicious mix of flavors that lets you give even the pickiest dog an easily digestible snack or treat!
Togetherness Rice Ball
Togetherness is a key aspect of Lunar New Year celebrations, as it emphasizes familial unity and strengthens bonds among loved ones. It is a time to reconnect, appreciate each other’s company and create shared memories, fostering a sense of belonging and harmony that is deeply rooted in the traditions and values of Chinese culture.
Lucky Duck Biscuit
Ducks, especially Peking ducks, hold a revered place in Lunar New Year feasts. Traditionally, ducks symbolize fidelity and happiness in Chinese culture. Feasting on duck is seen as a way to suppress ill luck and press down any negative energy in the upcoming year. It is another way of ushering in a prosperous and harmonious year.
BLUE Wilderness Trail Treats start with real duck as the first ingredient, making them a truly irresistible dog treat! These dog biscuits are made with wholesome ingredients and have an irresistible crunch to satisfy your dog's wild side and help clean teeth!
Wealthy Orange
Oranges are associated with abundance and happiness due to their resemblance to the sun, which represents positivity and prosperity. The round shape and bright color of oranges symbolize wealth, good luck, and a fulfilling life. Oranges are considered a symbol of good fortune and luck.
The pronunciation of “orange” in Chinese sounds similar to the word for “gold,” further enhancing its association with wealth and prosperity. These symbolic meanings of oranges in Chinese culture reflect their cultural significance and the positive attributes they represent.
Unity Chicken
In the context of Lunar New Year celebrations, chicken carries significant symbolism. It is considered a symbol of prosperity, luck, and joy in Chinese culture. The Chinese term for chicken, “ji”, sounds similar to the word for auspicious, further solidifying its representation of good fortune. Serving chicken during Lunar New Year also symbolizes family togetherness and unity, as traditionally, the chicken is served whole, representing a complete and united family.
Harmony Green-ie
Harmony, or “he” in Chinese, is a fundamental element of the Lunar New Year tradition. It embodies the Chinese philosophy of balance and unity, reflecting the desire for peaceful coexistence with nature, others, and oneself in the upcoming year. Greenie rhymes with harm-on-y, right? Close enough!
If you want to go the extra mile, offer your 2, 3, 6 or 8 items to your dog. Why? These numbers are lucky numbers; 4 is considered bad luck.
For Lunar New Year, decorations are a vibrant and essential part of the celebration to ward off evil spirits, add festive flair, and symbolize different wishes for the upcoming year. Traditional embellishments often include red lanterns, couplets, paper cuttings, and symbols of the zodiac animal of this lucky year, all conveying wishes of prosperity, happiness, and good fortune.
These dental treats are vet-recommended and support your dog's oral health! Their chewy texture helps clean teeth, maintain healthy gums, and freshen breath to make mouths happy in their daily life!
This set comes with an assortment of 68 (these are lucky numbers) red and gold decorations! The vibrant colors and traditional designs will instantly bring a festive atmosphere to your home. Hang them up for good luck and prosperity in the new year!
Additional decorations that are commonly seen during Lunar New Year celebrations include red envelopes, also known as “hongbao,” which are filled with money and given as gifts to children, single adults, and employees. These symbolize good fortune and blessing for the recipients.
Dress Your Dog in Paw-some Red Attire
If your dog will let you put them in an outfit, check out this adorable cheongsam for dogs! A cheongsam, also known as a qiopao is a traditional Chinese outfit usually worn during special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and of course Lunar New Year. So, for all you dog people, dress your dogs up this year and get ready to be the talk of the town!
If you love dog outfits, this gorgeous outfit in lucky colors, red and gold, is perfect for Lunar New Year and is available in multiple sizes for dogs. There are 3 golden buckles on the back, dragon embellishments, and a separate button on the chest to make it easier to put on and take off your dog.
Give Your Dog the Royal Treatment
Give your dog the royal treatment during Lunar New Year festivities as an expression of love! This special treatment can manifest in various ways, such as indulging them with new toys or treats, a luxurious DIY grooming session, or even a cozy new bed your dog will love. Prefer something more lasting? Consider getting your dog a personalized collar or tag!
This orthopedic dog sofa is designed to give your dog unparalleled support for a deep, dreamy night of rest. This supportive dog bed is wrapped in a velvety soft flannel fabric, offering soothing comfort that your dog will find cozy and relaxing.
Give your four legged companion the VIP treatment they deserve with our exclusive custom dog collar. With endless possibilities for personalization, you can create a one-of-a-kind collar that reflects their unique personality!
This adorable dog crinkle toy provides your four-legged best friend with an interactive chew toy that makes noise, keeps them engaged, and is gentler on teeth, gums, and dental health!
This wholesome and eco-friendly paw butter works great to keep dog paws moisturized year-round! This butter also works on some other animals too! Dogs tend to need protection, especially from heat and snow. Pet Head Paw Butter works to keep dog paws looking their best so our dogs can feel their best.
This patented dog toothbrush design allows easy cleaning of the entire mouth with just a few swipes. Silicone bristles are softer than traditional bristles, but abrasive enough to remove your dog's plaque.
Save money and pamper your dog at home with this nail set that includes a professional grade, rechargeable grinder and clipper that comes with multiple size and setting options.
Have a strong sense of smell? Snuggles and cuddles from your dog never smelled so good! A quick spritz of this cologne for dogs gets rid of offensive odor without being overpowering for those with a strong sense of smell.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it my friends! With these tips, you are set to have a paws-perous Lunar New Year celebration with your dog! We hope this guide helps you and your dog have a tail-wagging good time this Lunar New Year!
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