The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, will be celebrated on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
This 16-day Spring Festival is marked by cultural traditions, family gatherings, and hopes for good fortune. The new year is observed globally, with festivities focused on family, food, and prosperity.
As the calendar turns from the Year of the Dragon, 2025 will be influenced by the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and personal transformation.
According to Chinese mythology, the order of the zodiac animals was determined by a race hosted by the Jade Emperor. The Snake cleverly finished sixth by coiling around the Horse’s hoof.
The Lunar New Year marks the start of a new zodiac cycle, with the date shifting yearly within the Gregorian calendar. Traditional celebrations include red decorations, elaborate meals, thorough house cleaning, and family visits. The lighting of firecrackers, which stems from the legend of the monster Nian, remains a key part of the festivities.
Legend says Nian, a terrifying beast, would terrorize villages every Lunar New Year’s Eve. The villagers discovered that Nian feared the color red and loud noises, so they began to hang red decorations and light firecrackers to protect themselves.
For those born in the Year of the Snake, 2025 is considered their Ben Ming Nian, a year traditionally believed to bring bad luck.
To ward off misfortune, people born in the year of the Snake are encouraged to wear red clothing or accessories throughout 2025. Individuals born during the year of the snake are thought to be strategic and skilled communicators, according to the Chinese zodiac.
The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. According to Chinese astrology, each animal has a unique relationship to the Year of the Snake. Some signs, like the Ox and Rooster, are compatible with the Snake’s characteristics, whereas others like the Pig and Monkey may face some challenges.
The Lunar New Year is often marked by Chun Yun, the world’s largest human migration, as millions of people travel to reunite with their families.
Red is a dominant color during the holiday. Decorations, such as lanterns, paper cuttings, couplets, and chili pepper strings, are used to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune. New clothing, especially for children, is worn to symbolize a fresh start.
Before the new year, families thoroughly clean their homes to sweep away any bad luck.
The holiday also has some taboos. Cleaning is avoided until the fifth day of the new year, and people avoid using sharp objects or breaking things to avoid cutting or shattering their connection to good luck.
The most important event during the Lunar New Year is the reunion dinner on Lunar New Year’s Eve, falling on January 28. This meal features foods with special meanings. Dumplings symbolize wealth, fish represents abundance, and noodles signify longevity.
During the first few days of the new year, families visit one another and exchange Hong Bao, or red envelopes, containing money.
While in the past, the gesture was more important, today, the amount is the main focus. The third day of the new year is traditionally a day for temple visits.
The fifth day is dedicated to welcoming the God of Wealth, Cai Shen. And finally, the Lunar New Year festivities conclude on February 12 with the Lantern Festival, featuring lantern displays, dragon dances, and Yuan Xiao (sweet rice balls).
The Lunar New Year is celebrated throughout Asia, with varying traditions. In Korea, Seollal is a time for honoring ancestors and eating rice cake soup. In Vietnam, Tết is celebrated by decorating with peach blossoms and giving lucky money to children.
Across the globe, from New York to London, cities host parades and festivals, welcoming the Lunar New Year with cultural excitement.
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