Simply put, Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year are not the same. Despite being related, there are a few noteworthy differences between the two. Read on to find out what they are. The Differences between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year 1. "Chinese New Year" is specific while "Lunar New Year" is more general. Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Chinese New Year specifically refers to the celebration in China and among Chinese communities worldwide, while Lunar New Year is a broader term that includes various cultures and countries that follow the lunar calendar. The main differences As the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, approaches, with the Year of the Snake from January 29 to February 12, 2025, it’s not uncommon for people to mix up Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between them. The push for ‘Lunar New Year’ Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the lunisolar calendar, with festivities often lasting for 15 days or more. Chinese New Year is actually only one festival under the umbrella term of Lunar New Year, which is a festival that occurs on the first day of a new year in the lunisolar calendar, a calendar that Despite the variations, Lunar New Year celebrations across these cultures share common themes of family gatherings, honoring ancestors, and wishing for good luck and prosperity in the upcoming year. The Differences between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year 1. “Chinese New Year” is specific while “Lunar New Year” is more general. 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. Here's everything to know about the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. Rather than following the western Gregorian Calendar with 365-day years, the Chinese New Year follows a lunar You probably already know about Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is a lunar new year celebration that’s similar to lunar calendars used by Tibetans, Hindus, certain Buddhist groups, and even one sect of Judaism. Lunar New Year is celebrated when the first new lunar cycle starts with a new moon. (A new moon is the absence of the moon.) 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. Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new year based on lunar or lunisolar calendars. It is often referred to as Chinese New Year, especially in China, where it is a major cultural celebration. What is Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which follows the phases of the moon and the solar terms. It usually falls between late January and mid-February Chinese New Year and the Vietnamese New Year (called Tết in Vietnam) actually have a lot in common. What we can be sure of is that Lunar New Year holidays are always about dedicating time for family, gatherings, gifts and hoping for the best for the New Year to come. 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 The Lunar New Year kicks off on Jan. 29, 2025. Here's what to know about the year of the Wood Snake, from the personality traits to the various Snake elements, according to Chinese metaphysics The festival begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. In 2025, Lunar New Year falls on January 29, ushering in the Year of the She said that some of the common Lunar New Year practices among these different clans include a Lunar New Year’s Eve family reunion house and no sweeping of the house for three days. There are, of course, plenty of Lunar New Year snacks, including mandarin oranges for luck. Korean New Year is NOT the same as Chinese New Year. But it is similar. And everyone has a tendency to refer to the Lunar New Year as Chinese New Year. Although, it's no wonder because China has the world's largest population! South Korea has it's own traditions and ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian communities. Every year is marked by a different animal and 2025 This day is also known as 除夕 (chú xī) - New Year's Eve. The Chinese New Year technically begins on 初一 (chū yī) - the first day of the lunar year - and doesn't come to a close until 元宵节 (yuán xiāo jié) - the fifteenth day, also known as the Lantern Festival. That's fifteen whole days of celebration, so you could definitely
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