As the Lunar New Year approaches, families across Asia — and around the world — prepare to welcome a season of reunion, gratitude, and renewal. For me, this time of year has always carried a deep emotional resonance. It’s not just a festival; it’s a bridge between generations, cultures, and the ever-evolving story of home.
🌕 From Saigon to Sydney — A Journey Woven with Tradition
I was born in Vietnam to a traditional Chinese family, where stories, customs, and rituals shaped the rhythm of our lives. Our home was filled with the scent of incense and the sound of laughter as we celebrated every significant festival — from Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival to Qingming and the Hungry Ghost Festival.
At the age of 13, I came to Australia in 1980. Life changed in ways I couldn’t have imagined, but one thing remained constant — the traditions that my parents carried with them. Through every celebration, they taught me the meaning behind each ritual: the symbolism of red envelopes, the wish for abundance in a bowl of noodles, and the way a lantern’s glow represents guidance and hope for the year ahead.
🖋️ Stories Passed Down, Stories Shared
Those memories became the foundation of my storytelling and creative journey. Over the years, I began documenting these cultural experiences through my blog on ArtSHINE.com.au, writing about Lunar New Year traditions, symbolism, and the deeper meaning of connection. Each post became a way to preserve what my parents had taught me — and to share those insights with others who may not have grown up with the same customs but still feel drawn to the beauty and togetherness the festival represents.
From tales of family reunion dinners to the art of decorating with good fortune symbols, my writing has become both a personal archive and a cultural bridge — a celebration of the shared human desire for belonging and renewal.
🎶 The Birth of a Song — “When the Lanterns Shine Again”
For the first time, that love for heritage and storytelling has been transformed into music. “When the Lanterns Shine Again (灯火再相见)” is an original ArtSHINE Music anthem dedicated to everyone who celebrates Lunar New Year — whether they are Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Malaysian, Singaporean, or simply inspired by the values of hope and unity it brings.
This song blends traditional Chinese instruments — the guzheng, erhu, pipa, and bamboo flute — with modern cinematic and pop elements. It celebrates reunion, family, and the shared light that brings us together. Written in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, the anthem carries a universal message:
“One world, one heart — when the lanterns shine again.”
It’s an invitation for people everywhere to pause, reflect, and celebrate the joy of being together — no matter where we come from or where life has taken us.
🎧 A Gift to the World
“When the Lanterns Shine Again” will be released globally on January 2, 2026, to mark the arrival of the Year of the Horse — a year symbolizing strength, freedom, and vitality.
The song will be available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music, distributed through DistroKid under ArtSHINE Music.
This release marks a special milestone: it’s not only the first Lunar New Year song from ArtSHINE Music, but also a personal offering — a way to share the stories, lessons, and love of culture passed down from my family to yours.
🏮 A Celebration for All
Lunar New Year may have its roots in Chinese tradition, but its spirit belongs to everyone. Today, people from every corner of the world celebrate under glowing lanterns — cherishing family, honouring the past, and embracing the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
As the lanterns shine again this coming year, may their light remind us that home is not just a place, but a feeling — one we carry in our hearts wherever we go.
✨ “When the Lanterns Shine Again (灯火再相见)”
Releasing January 2, 2026 — Year of the Horse
🎵 By ArtSHINE Music
📍 Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and all major platforms
