The Lunar New Year is a special celebration rooted in centuries of tradition. Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the Lunar calendar in China, a time that symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and togetherness. Families celebrate with reunions, delicious feast, and long-held traditions. Let’s take a look at Lunar New Year and its customs in China, along with some other Asian countries. From the zodiac signs to traditional foods, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Chinese New Year?
Also called the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is the most important celebration in the Chinese or Lunar calendar. It marks the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar, so the date of this 16-day festival will change each year.
It’s a time for renewal, reflection, and family. It’s a time to sweep away bad luck from the past year and welcome good fortune, health, and happiness for the year ahead. There are many traditions steeped in symbolism and hope.
When is Chinese New Year?
The date changes each year, as it is based on the lunar calendar rather than the solar Gregorian calendar. It typically falls between January 21st and February 20th, coinciding with the first new moon of the year. In 2025, Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29th. In China, the festivities begin on Lunar New Year’s Eve and last for 15 days, culminating in the big Lantern Festival.
READ NEXT: What to pack for China in every season
Where is Chinese New Year Celebrated?
Chinese New Year is celebrated worldwide, with major festivities taking place not only in China but also across many countries with large Chinese communities. Plus, there are Asian countries that have their own unique Lunar New Year celebrations during the same period.
In China, it’s the most significant annual holiday – marked by family reunions, parades, and fireworks. Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Singapore also celebrate, plus other Asian countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines have their own unique customs and traditions around the Lunar New Year.
Beyond Asia, Chinese New Year is celebrated in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom by local Chinese communities with parades, lion dances, and festive food.
How long is the Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year celebrations traditionally last for 16 days total, starting on New Year’s Eve and ending with the spectacular Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the new year. The first few days are the most significant, with family reunions, feasts, and red envelope exchanges. Then the festivities continue with a series of customs and rituals designed to bring good fortune.
In some regions, this period of celebration is slightly shorter or more informal after the first week. In mainland China there is a nationwide public holiday lasting 7 days, but many families celebrate the full period. Other countries, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, may only celebrate the first three days. Lunar New Year is also the most important annual celebration in Vietnam, where it’s known as Tết; and in South Korea, where the Seollal festivities fall the day before and day after the new year.
READ NEXT: 9 books about the culture and history of China
What is the Chinese New Year animal for 2025?
The Snake! It’s the sixth sign in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle and people born in the Year of the Snake are often associated with qualities like intelligence, elegance, and resourcefulness.
The zodiac cycle plays a central role in Chinese culture, influencing traditions, decorations, and even personality traits believed to be tied to the year’s animal. During 2025, expect to see snake-themed designs in festive decorations and red envelopes.
How is Chinese New Year celebrated? What are local customs?
This occasion is centered around family and tradition. Festivities begin with a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, where loved ones gather to share a lavish meal symbolizing unity. Red envelopes (hongbao), filled with money, are given to children and elders as wishes for prosperity. Vibrant fireworks and lion dances light up the celebrations, believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune. In the days leading up to the New Year, homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away bad luck. Red banners and lanterns are hung to invite happiness and success.
READ NEXT: The first timer’s guide to China: where to go and what to do
Traditional foods of Lunar New Year
Different cultures celebrate Lunar New Year with unique foods that carry rich symbolism. In China, dumplings, spring rolls and fish symbolize wealth, while Vietnam’s bánh chưng and South Korea’s tteokguk highlight growth and prosperity. Many of the dishes found on the table will have secondary meanings and symbolism.
How to say “Happy New Year” in Chinese
To wish someone a Happy New Year in Chinese, you can say “Xīnnián kuàilè” (新年快乐), which means “Happy New Year.” Pronounced “sheen-nyen kwai-leh.”
Another popular greeting is “Gōngxǐ fācái” (恭喜发财), meaning “wishing you wealth and prosperity.” This is pronounced as “gong-shee fah-tsai.” The first greeting is more general, while the second is often used to wish people success and fortune in the coming year.
READ NEXT: 6 immersive food experiences in Chinese dining
Other customs, etiquette, and rules
When celebrating Chinese New Year, there are several important dos and don’ts that help ensure good luck and harmony for the year ahead.
- Do wear red: Red is considered a lucky color, symbolizing happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. People often wear red clothing, accessories, and hang decorations to attract positive energy.
- Don’t use sharp objects: Avoid using knives or scissors during the New Year celebrations, as cutting could symbolize cutting off good fortune for the year ahead.
- Do honor your ancestors: Ancestor worship is a key tradition during Chinese New Year. Families perform rituals and offer food and incense to honor their forebears, ensuring their blessings for the coming year.
- Do exchange well-wishes: Whether through greeting cards, red envelopes, or simply saying “Gōngxǐ fācái” (恭喜发财), it’s important to exchange greetings of health, wealth, and happiness with family, friends, and even strangers.
- Don’t sweep the house on New Year’s Day: Sweeping or cleaning on the first day of the new year is believed to sweep away good fortune, so it’s best to do all cleaning before the celebrations begin.
TAKE A TOUR: Best of China with Yangtze Cruise
Do you celebrate Chinese New Year? What are your family’s traditions or customs? Leave us a comment….