In contexts outside of China, referring to Lunar New Year as "Chinese New Year" and vice versa can come off as insensitive and offensive because it ignores other cultures, all of which have their own unique traditions, beliefs, and celebrations. 2. How each Asian country celebrates and names their New Year festival is different. In fact, in 1949, the Communist Party forbade the celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year. However, by the 1980s, new Chinese leaders had a change of heart and allowed the celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year. In 1996, China established a weeklong vacation called Spring Festival, allowing people to travel home to their Differences between the Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year. In China, there is no difference between the Chinese New Year and the Lunar New Year. These two phrases both refer to the Spring Festival (春节 chūn jié). Chinese Lunar New Year is the 1st of the first month in the Chinese calendar. 'Spring Festival' refers to the same festival more commonly known in English as the 'Chinese New Year'. It is the biggest festival in China. Spring Festival 2025 falls on Wednesday, Jan 29th, 2025, beginning a year of the Snake. In China, Spring Festival is the common name for Chinese Lunar New Year. Differences Between Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year are essentially the same holidays, celebrated by different names. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that marks the start of the Lunar calendar and brings families together for feasting, gift-giving Among China’s traditional holidays and celebrations, none ranks higher in importance than the Lunar New Year (農曆新年). Also known as the Spring Festival (春節), or simply Chinese New The Tang Dynasty period (618-907 AD) allows a change of paradigm in the Spring Festival celebration and the main function of the festival has also shifted.The festival was no longer perceived as a sacred ritual for the gods—which was the norm established for thousands of years—, and now the New Year was celebrated mainly as entertainment for both nobles and commoners. It is a traditional Chinese New Year custom to paste New Year's red, which adds to the festive atmosphere and places people's good expectations for the New Year and new life. 4.1: Spring Festival Couplets. Chinese: 春联 / chūn lián Lunar New Year is a festival beyond compare. Technically it’s a week—determined by the lunar calendar but always late January to mid-February—but for many, Chunjie (Spring Festival) is more Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the grandest festival in China, usually with a 8 days' holiday. As the most colorful annual event, the traditional CNY celebration lasts longer, up to two weeks, and the climax arrives around the Lunar New Year's Eve. After living in China for 3 years as V-Trust Sales Manager and 1 year in Vietnam as V-Trust Country Manager, I am happy to share my experience and feelings, even if, for sure, I don’t know everything and they may not be exhaustive. Chinese New Year and the Vietnamese New Year (called Tết in Vietnam) actually have a lot in common. Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival, is a common traditional festival for all Chinese people. In different areas and zones, people have their distinct ways to celebrate the most important festival, especially between north and south China. The terms Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year are often used interchangeably. But it’s not the same. Although both celebrate the start of a new year according to the lunar calendar, they have different meanings, traditions, and cultural significance. New Year decorating is a must in both northern and southern China. On Chinese New Year's Eve, people have a thorough "spring clean". Then they put up door gods, spring couplets, New Year paintings, and hang out lanterns. SPRING FESTIVAL is called to the almost 30 days of first preparations to receive a New Lunar Year, the arrival of it, and 15 days later ending with Lantern Festival on lunar 15.' It consist of 8 days of preparations, followed by 15 days with each day dedicated to a special activity according to their customs, traditions and culture White and black are typically used during funerals, so they are considered very unlucky colors to wear during Spring Festival. Arguing or swearing. Chinese New Year is a time for joy and laughter, and is seen as a time to set the tone for the rest of the year. So arguing or swearing is considered unlucky and should be avoided as best as possible. Chinese New Year, also well-known as Spring Festival, is definitely the biggest festival for Chinese people. Like Christmas, Chinese New Year has a splendid history and many traditions, which differ from any other festivals in the world. However, the Chinese Spring Festival, according to the Chinese law is to put 3 days off (New Year's Eve, the first day of the lunar year, the second day of the lunar year)——This also reflects the Chinese government's emphasis on and protection of traditional culture. By reading the major differences between Chinese Lunar New Year and Western New Year, you will get to know more about Chinese culture. If you are a cultural buff, it’s worthwhile to have a tour during Chinese Lunar New Year. See our sample tours for some inspiration. Explore China during Chinese Lunar New Year . 9 Days Chinese New Year Tour A shop selling decorations for the Chinese New Year in Wuhan, China (). The fireworks at Singapore's River Hongbao during the Lantern Festival in 2015. Chinese New Year, known in China as the Spring Festival and in Singapore as the Lunar New Year, is a holiday on and around the new moon on the first day of the year in the traditional Chinese calendar.
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