Many Asian nations, including Vietnam and South Korea, celebrate the new year around this time. Known widely as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, the Lunar New Year stands as the most significant holiday in China and many other Asian cultures. This festive event spans 15 days, commencing with the new moon that falls between January 29 and February 27 according to Western calendars, continuing until the next full moon. The holiday’s origins involve feasting and honoring both household and celestial deities, along with ancestors.

Duration of Chinese New Year Celebrations

In 2025, Chinese New Year will start on January 29 and conclude with the Lantern Festival on February 12. The festivities can extend up to 16 days, with the public holiday in China running from Wednesday until February 4.

Understanding the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac, or Sheng Xiao (生肖), consists of a repeating cycle of 12 animal signs, each representing specific traits, based on the lunar calendar.

The Lunar New Year signifies the switch from one zodiac animal to another. The Year of the Dragon, which kicks off on February 10, 2024, will conclude on a Tuesday, and Wednesday will usher in the Year of the Snake, last observed in 2013.

Preparations Before Lunar New Year

To prepare for the Lunar New Year, households undergo a deep clean to eliminate any lingering bad luck from the previous year. Clearing away debts prior to the new year is also encouraged, symbolizing a clean slate for the year ahead.

Traditional pre-festival activities include displaying spring festival couplets on doors or windows and purchasing new outfits.

New Year’s Eve Traditions

On New Year’s Eve morning, families visit their ancestors’ graves to pay their respects before returning home. Following the hanging of Spring Festival couplets and red lanterns, families gather for a large reunion dinner, which is considered the most essential meal of the year. Here, multiple generations come together to enjoy auspicious and delicious dishes.

Cuisine varies across regions in China; northern regions typically serve dumplings and noodles, whereas southern households often enjoy rice cakes. It’s customary to exchange red envelopes filled with money and set off fireworks following the dinner.

Traditions During Chinese New Year

Lantern Festival

The final day of the New Year celebration is called the Lantern Festival, signifying the conclusion of Chinese New Year festivities. Streets are adorned with various illuminated lanterns, and people often engage in playful poems and riddles for amusement.

CREDIT Dian Zhang

SOURCE Reporting and research by YSL News Network; ChineseNewYear.net, History.com