Lunar New Year Across Borders - How Celebrations Reflect Cultural Diversity

T?t is a highlight for all Vietnamese including me and my family. The smell of bánh ch?ng steaming in the kitchen, the sight of hoa mai blooming in the corner, and the sound of children giggling as they open red envelopes—these are moments that feel like home.

But over the years, as someone who has spent much of my life connected to different cultures, I’ve found myself increasingly curious about how others celebrate the Lunar New Year. The more I’ve looked, the more I’ve realized how different, yet similar, we all really are.??

In Vietnam, T?t is a whirlwind of energy and emotion

The days leading up to it are chaotic in the best way—cleaning every corner of the house, shopping for just the right flowers, and prepping enough food to feed a small army. On the first day, we slow down. We wear our best clothes, visit family, and exchange heartfelt wishes. It’s a time to reset, reconnect, and remember where we came from.??

Then there’s China, where the Lunar New Year feels larger than life

I remember watching videos of fireworks that go on for hours and thinking, “Wow, they take the whole ‘warding off evil spirits’ thing very seriously!” Families feast on dumplings, fish, and other dishes I can’t pronounce but would love to try. It’s grand and vibrant—like a whole country putting on its finest show.??

In Korea, Seollal offers a quieter, more reflective celebration

Families gather to pay respects to their ancestors, a reminder that the New Year isn’t just about looking forward, but also honoring the past. They eat tteokguk, a rice cake soup, and I love the symbolism of it—you can’t officially age into the new year until you’ve had a bowl. It’s simple, but deeply meaningful.??

And then there’s multicultural Singapore and Malaysia

In these places, it feels like the Lunar New Year has absorbed the region’s multicultural energy. Have you ever tossed yusheng? It’s this raw fish salad that everyone flings into the air with chopsticks, yelling wishes for the year ahead. It’s messy, loud, and incredibly fun—so different from T?t’s formality, but equally joyful.??

Even in the West, Lunar New Year has taken on a unique flavor

I’ve seen dragon dances happening at the Chinese New Year Festival and Parade in San Francisco and fusion feasts in New York. It’s interesting to see how this celebration, born from ancient traditions, can find room to grow and adapt.

What connects us all

What I love most about seeing these different versions of Lunar New Year is how they all circle back to the same idea: family, renewal, and hope. We all want to leave behind the old, embrace the new, and share the moment with the people who matter most.??

So, whether it’s bánh ch?ng, dumplings, tteokguk, or yusheng, the heart of Lunar New Year is universal. It’s a time to pause, celebrate, and look ahead together. And in a world that often feels divided, isn’t it comforting to know that some things still connect us all?

Sincerely,??

Stephen Le,??Lead Litigator

You deserve a break. Our hyper-connected world has thrown much of the world into a frenzy. So, why are we launching a monthly newsletter that risks simply adding to the clutter? My only agenda is to connect with leaders like yourself. I hope that by sharing my thoughts on timely and timeless topics, we'll be able to connect in some way over your coffee break. And who knows? Maybe we’ll even get to meet for a proper chat one day.