Maria Elaine Hernandez 
Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is Sunday, when Asian communities around the world will say farewell to the Year of the Tiger and usher in the Year of the Rabbit.
Traditionally the celebration is marked by family reunions, parades and fireworks.
According to one legend, a monster would emerge from under the Earth at the start of every year and eat villagers. Since the beast, Nian (Chinese for “year”), was afraid of bright lights, loud noises and the color red, they were used to exile the beast.
But more than just the beginning of a new calendar cycle, Lunar New Year symbolizes reunion and rebirth, marking the end of winter and the start of spring.
Caption by Elaine Hernandez
Pubmat by Julio Laberon
