As a scholar of Chinese religious history and culture, Lion dancer makes impact on Chinese Lunar New Year tradition. By Mori Rothman, Michael D. Regan. Happy Lunar New Year! But is it the Year In many Asian countries, it is a festival that is celebrated for several days. In diaspora communities, particularly in cultural enclaves, Lunar New Year is visibly and joyfully celebrated. In the Chinese zodiac, 2025 is the Year of the Snake. Different countries across Asia celebrate the new year in many ways and may follow a different zodiac. Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival (see also § Names), is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. While the New Year is generally centered around the general theme of family bonding, religious observances are also an integral part of the festivities. These include domestically oriented rituals associated with popular Chinese deities, such as the Kitchen God and the God of Wealth. For Chinese people, Lunar New Year is the Spring Festival, HISTORY & CULTURE. 9 things to know about Holi, India’s most colorful festival. Save $5 on a Nat Geo Digital Subscription. Thein Zaw. Chinese artists leap from pedestals as they perform a traditional lion dance marking the Lunar New Year of the Snake in the Chinatown area of Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. For most cultures, their festivals are influenced by their religion. However, Chinese New Year is not related to any religion. It is simply a celebration of a new year according to the lunar calendar, just like a celebration of a new year according to the Gregorian (solar) calendar on January 1st. Chinese New Year, annual 15-day festival in China and Chinese communities around the world that begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Festivities last until the following full moon. Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most significant celebrations in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, feasting, and honoring traditions. 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. The lunisolar Chinese calendar determines the date of Lunar New Year. The calendar is also used in countries that have been influenced by, or have relations with, China – such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, though occasionally the date celebrated may differ by one day or even one moon cycle due to using a meridian based on a different capital city in a different time zone or different By embracing both the old and the new, they ensure that the spirit of Chinese New Year continues to thrive, evolving with each passing year while still honoring the rich cultural heritage that defines it. “There are two points of view on Chinese New Year. First, the religious point of view, where the government recognizes it as a religious holiday. The second is from people who see it as a cultural holiday, where we continue the tradition,” Eric explains. “Ahead of Chinese New Year, we pray to the gods and Buddha. Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated with much fanfare around the world, marking a time of renewal, family reunions, and vibrant cultural expressions. But nowhere is this celebration quite as unique as in the Philippines, where Chinese traditions intertwine with Filipino customs to create a truly The Lunar New Year celebrations that start on Feb. 1 will go on for a week. It is the year of the tiger, considered in Chinese culture as the foremost among all beasts. We can give it to one another while reminding each other that success comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6). As for Chinese New Year goodies such as barbecued pork, pineapple tarts (pineapple is called “ong lai” which means “may good luck come to our homes”), melon seeds, fizzy drinks, to name a few, let us remember to give thanks, enjoy them and eat them in moderation (1 Corinthians 10:31). The Year of the Dog has arrived and Chinese people around the world are celebrating Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival. As with many widely celebrated holidays, if you look closely, you can see religious inspiration. Traces of Chinese folk religion permeate the fifteen-day holiday. Chinese New Year is a highlight of The Spring Festival which lasts 15 days, and begins this year on February 19, and will end on March 5. However, there is an extended Spring Festival that lasts What Religion Celebrates Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a vibrant celebration rich in traditions and customs that Recognising and embracing diversity in the workplace helps staff feel valued for their unique qualities, ideas and perspectives and extends to recognising that staff may wish to celebrate culturally important or religious days and events throughout the year. Some examples of cultural or religious holidays include: Lunar New Year; Diwali; Ramadan
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