Lunar New Year 2025, also known as Chinese New Year, marks the start of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac. The festival, falling on January 29, 2025, is a key cultural celebration observed by millions worldwide.
The Chinese Zodiac and the Year of the Snake
The Chinese Zodiac is made up of twelve animals, each symbolising distinct characteristics. The Year of the Snake in 2025 will be associated with the Wood Snake, which represents qualities such as wisdom, intuition, and adaptability. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to embody these traits.
Each year in the Chinese Zodiac is linked to a specific animal in a twelve-year cycle. The animals of the Zodiac are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal is linked with certain personality traits and characteristics, which are said to influence the fortunes of those born under its sign.
Who celebrate Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year?
Lunar New Year is widely celebrated by people of Chinese descent, but it also holds cultural significance for many other communities across Asia. Countries like Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Mongolia also observe the festival under different names such as Tết (Vietnam), Seollal (Korea), and Tết Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese New Year).
In addition to Asia, the celebration has spread globally, with many cities hosting large festivals, parades, and events, bringing together both Asian and non-Asian communities to celebrate the occasion.
It is a holiday that signifies the start of a new lunar cycle, focusing on family reunions, traditional practices, and hopes for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead.
Lunar New Year traditions
Lunar New Year is steeped in rich traditions and customs, many of which are designed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the year ahead. Some key traditions include:
Family reunions: The holiday is a time for families to come together. Many people travel long distances to reunite with loved ones and celebrate with large family meals.
Red Envelopes (Hongbao): One of the most well-known customs is the giving of red envelopes filled with money. These envelopes are given to children and unmarried adults to wish them luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Lion and Dragon dances: Colorful lion and dragon dances are a staple of the celebrations. These performances are meant to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits. Accompanied by loud drums and firecrackers, the dances are a spectacle of joy and tradition.
Fireworks and firecrackers: Fireworks are set off to ward off evil spirits and to celebrate the new year. The noise is also believed to bring good luck and banish negative energy.
Traditional foods: Certain foods are eaten during Lunar New Year for their symbolic meaning. For example, dumplings symbolise wealth, fish represents abundance, and sticky rice cakes (nian gao) are said to bring good luck and progress.
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