Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)

Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival (春节 - Chūnjié), is the most important traditional festival in China and many other Asian countries. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, with celebrations lasting 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.

🗓 2025 Chinese New Year Date

• Date: January 29, 2025
• Zodiac Animal: Year of the Snake 🐍

🎊 Traditions & Customs

🏮 Festive Decorations

• Red lanterns, paper cuttings, and couplets (春联) are hung for good luck.
• Red and gold colors symbolize prosperity and happiness.

🧧 Giving Red Envelopes (红包 - Hóngbāo)

• Elders give children and unmarried young people red envelopes filled with money as a blessing for good fortune.

🥟 Reunion Dinner (年夜饭 - Nián Yè Fàn)

• Families gather for a big feast on New Year's Eve, featuring dishes like dumplings (饺子), fish (symbolizing abundance), and glutinous rice cakes (年糕).

🐉 Lion & Dragon Dances

• Performances in streets and temples to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.

🎆 Fireworks & Firecrackers

• Traditionally used to drive away bad luck and welcome the new year with a loud celebration.

🕯 Ancestor Worship

• Many families pay respects to their ancestors, offering food and prayers.

🌏 Where is Chinese New Year Celebrated?

While it is mainly observed in China, many countries with Chinese communities also celebrate, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam (Tet), Korea (Seollal), and Chinatowns worldwide.