By Nooshi Ghasedi
Lunar New Year is observed across many cultures as a time of transition and renewal. Rooted in the lunar calendar, it reflects the natural rhythms of change and the gradual movement from one season to the next. For many families and communities, it marks a meaningful moment to
pause, take stock of the year that has passed, and consider what feels ready to unfold.
In the days leading up to the new year, there is often an emphasis on clearing and settling. Homes are cleaned, unfinished business is addressed, and attention is given to what feels unresolved. While these practices are practical, they also carry emotional meaning. They reflect a shared understanding that the weight of a year accumulates and that entering a new chapter feels different after taking time to tend to what was unfinished.
This year is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. The Horse is often associated with movement, vitality, and forward energy. It suggests momentum that comes from preparation and progress that builds over time. In a moment when many people feel stretched thin or pressured to keep up, this symbolism offers a quiet reminder that movement need not be rushed to be meaningful.
Lunar New Year also places strong emphasis on family, shared meals, and honoring those who came before. These traditions acknowledge that our sense of stability and identity is shaped through relationships and continuity. The holiday recognizes that growth does not happen in isolation, but within the context of connection, history, and belonging.
From a mental health perspective, the Lunar New Year offers a more humane way of thinking about change by allowing space for reflection without requiring immediate resolution. It recognizes cycles, limits, and timing, and invites mindful consideration of what feels ready to unfold while acknowledging what may still need care or patience.
Lunar New Year invites a different kind of attention. It encourages reflection on what feels complete and what remains unresolved. It asks us to consider where movement feels possible, where patience is still needed, and what kind of care would support the season ahead. If you feel called to reflect, consider this: As this new season begins, what feels ready for your attention?
