Happy Lunar New Year!
First of all, what is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year 2021 is today, February 12th. It’s called Lunar New Year because, as Oprah Magazine describes, “it marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendars traditional to many East Asian countries.”
2021 is the Year of the Ox, according to the Chinese zodiac. Traditions vary depending on your family and culture. To get a deeper understanding of this holiday, listen to this Asian Glow Up podcast episode where the hosts talk all about Lunar New Year, “from the Chinese zodiac to the right foods to eat and even our family’s superstitions surrounding the holiday.”
Now more than ever, in light of anti-Asian hate crimes, it’s important to recognize the meaning and importance of this holiday for Asian-Americans (in addition to following and amplifying the voices of influential Asian-American activists like @amandangocnguyen on Instagram).
That’s why we’re celebrating Lunar New Year by sharing how Hollywood celebs are celebrating Lunar New Year in 2021.
How celebrities are celebrating and talking about Lunar New Year 2021
Celeb actress Jennifer Tilly posted a throwback red carpet pic:
Happy Lunar New Year! ??? pic.twitter.com/F8FsWVAh59
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) February 12, 2021
Celeb influencer Aunty Chan slayed this Lunar New Year look:
Happy Lunar New Year!???
It’s year of the Ox ? The Ox is patient, determined and dependable. They’re stubborn and protectful, and their energy helps our process of healing. Wishing y’all love and good fortune! ? pic.twitter.com/jOVoDKAPqz
— ? Aunty Chan ? (@aunty_chan) February 12, 2021
Songwriter and model Rina Sawayama shared action items for fighting anti-Asian violence:
saddened and maddened to see these recent spike in horrific hate crimes against Asian Americans. these attacks against elderly people in particular are absolutely disgraceful and heartbreaking to see https://t.co/04UFCECFnu
— RINA SAWAYAMA (@rinasawayama) February 12, 2021
Celeb actor Justin H. Min acknowledged how this Lunar New Year is different compared to past years:
happy lunar new year, fam. missing my mom’s 설날 떡국. but i guess i can dip some rice in water and call it a day.
— Justin H. Min (@justinhmin) February 12, 2021
Jamie Chung celebrates the announcement of her role in the Dexter revival where she wishes many “glass ceiling shattering moments” for her fans:
Kane Lim, who stars on the hit Netflix reality show Bling Empire, shared a festive post along with one of his quotes from the show: “During the white new year you wake up with a hangover, for the Lunar New Year you wake up with Money!! ???”
Fellow Bling Empire star and DJ Kim Lee shared pics from her shoot with Marie Claire Hong Kong:
Chèrie, who also stars on Bling Empire, shares some of her family’s traditional Lunar New Year dishes:
Gemma Chan who voices Namaari in Raya and the Last Dragon wishes fans a happy Lunar New Year along with her co-stars. One commenter said, “This gives me chills ? I wish I had Asian representation like this growing up. Amazing cast!!!!”
Oliva Munn shared artwork from Toronto artist @av.wu:
Arden Cho of Teen Wolf fame shared photos of past celebrations with her family:
Philippa Soo, most known for her role as Eliza in Hamilton on Broadway, wishes love and happiness:
Happy Lunar New Year!!! Wishing you love and happiness this #YearOfTheOx ???
— Phillipa Soo (@Phillipasoo) February 12, 2021
Author, fashion blogger, and designer Aimee Song shared a Lunar New Year look:
Even Krabby Patty maker Spongebob is taking part in the Lunar New Year festivities:
wishing you a joyous Lunar New Year filled with good fortune, blessings, & CHOCOLATE ?? pic.twitter.com/lvNCcgNO2F
— SpongeBob (@SpongeBob) February 12, 2021
We’re reimagining Hollywood.com as a place where entertainment news actually entertains you. We’re sharing the good in Hollywood, spotlighting the feel-good stories that matter about any and every kind of celeb. Be a part of the good in Hollywood in your very own neighborhood with our app (coming soon!) that gives you a whole new way to buy movie tickets––in seconds. Follow us on Instagram for more feel-good celeb stories.