Rather than following the western Gregorian Calendar with 365-day years, the Chinese New Year follows a lunar calendar based the moon's 12 phases. Each phase cycle spans approximately 29 days with This year, Lunar New Year begins Jan. 29. Because the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, the beginning of the year happens on a different day each year. Today, billions of Chinese around the world will be welcoming in the New Year and with it 6th animal in the 12-year cycle Andy Hall Update: Jan 28th, 2025 15:12 EST Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a major festival celebrated at the beginning of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Thought to have originated in ancient China around 3,500 years ago, it is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the new year. Lunar New Year’s Eve: The Reunion Dinner. At the heart of Lunar New Year celebrations is the reunion dinner on Lunar New Year’s Eve, which falls on January 28, 2025. A traditional reunion dinner has many dishes, including steamed or fried fish, rice cakes and balls, noodles and dumplings. Pre-Chinese New Year Preparations and Activities (Jan. 7–Feb. 12, 2025) Jan. 7, 2025: Laba Festival. Some Chinese start to celebrate and prepare for Chinese New Year as early as day 8 of the 12 th month of the lunar calendar. This is a festival called Laba ( 腊八 Làbā /laa-baa/ '12th lunar month' + '8'), in the traditional sense, which Lanterns glow at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during Chinese New Year. Photograph by Amril Izan Imran, Alamy Stock Photo. TRAVEL; Top 10 things to know about Lunar New Year. Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year or Spring Festival 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. Snake is the new year animal. Learn more about Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, taboos, food, zodiac signs, and greetings. 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. Bidding farewell to the mythical Dragon, the world welcomes the Year of the Snake on January 29 — the first day of the Lunar New Year. For those who celebrate this ancient festival, starting the This year, Lunar New Year begins Jan. 29. Because the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, the beginning of the year happens on a different day each year. The Chinese Lunar New Year of 2025 begins on January 29, marking the start of a 15-day festival that celebrates the transition from winter to spring. This occasion is one of the most significant As New Zealand's Asian communities celebrate the lunar new year on Wednesday, what can we expect from the Year of the Snake? Revered for an ability to shed its skin, the snake (蛇, shé) is typically associated with wisdom, mystery and transformation in traditional Chinese culture. As a result, the In addition to the vibrant celebrations in Chinatown and Trafalgar Square, Soho will also be buzzing with excitement next weekend for the Chinese New Year festivities. As part of the Year of the Snake celebrations, this lively area will host a variety of activities, including traditional Chinese performances, cultural showcases, and street food stalls. Chinese New Year in Mexico City is every bit as riotous as you'd expect, with the capital's Chinatown coming to life in a blaze of color. What to expect during Chinese New Year 2025 in Mexico This year, Lunar New Year begins Jan. 29. Because the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, the beginning of the year happens on a different day each year. With Chinese New Year happening on January 29, 2025, here’s what families can expect. With the Year of the Wood Dragon coming to a close, it’s time to celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake. While the element of Wood symbolizes growth, not all zodiacs will grow in the same way. This year, Lunar New Year begins Jan. 29. Because the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, the beginning of the year happens on a different day each year. The last Year of the Snake happened in 2013. Why is it the year of the snake? 2025 is the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac calendar, a 12-year cycle represented by animals.
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