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. Also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, at least 385 million Chinese people are expected to leave the major cities to visit their families in rural parts of the country to mark the Year Chinese New Year specifically refers to the festival in China. Lunar New Year is a broader term for similar celebrations across Asia. Both are based on lunar calendars, but the Chinese calendar dictates the timing of Chinese New Year. The Lunar New Year is traditionally a time for food, festivities, and family gatherings. It is celebrated in many countries, including China, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. 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. Chinese bubble tea brand popular both in and outside China, found itself in hot water when it used the term “Lunar New Year”. ST PHOTO: YEW LUN TIAN UPDATED Jan 28, 2025, 03:49 PM The Differences between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year 1. “Chinese New Year” is specific while “Lunar New Year” is more general. The term “Chinese New Year” specifically refers to the new year celebrations in China. It is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, history, and traditions, dating back thousands of years. Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year are rich in cultural meaning and tradition. But it’s not the same. Lunar New Year encompasses celebrations of many cultures, while Chinese New Year focuses on specific Chinese traditions. When learning about these differences we can appreciate the diversity and beauty of each celebration. 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.) 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. What is the Lunar New Year? For the Lunar New Year 2025, I asked NPR readers and listeners to share the new and old traditions they practice to ensure a lucky year ahead. Here are some of their responses, edited for length The Chinese zodiac’s traditions and customs resonate through our actions even in contemporary settings. As the Year of the Snake approaches, we should not underestimate the influence of some of the common folklore beliefs. 4. 2025 蛇年新年歌 – 你說蛇? Year of the Snake New Year Song – What Do You Say? Audio: Chinese Mandarin Recommended Age: 10 and up Subtitle: Simplified Chinese In Japan, the Lunar New Year is celebrated as “Oshōgatsu.” The common way to wish someone a happy Lunar New Year in Japanese is: Formal/Informal: 明けましておめでとうございます (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu) – Use this expression to offer New Year greetings, including during the Lunar New Year period. 5. Cantonese Chinese A performer dressed in a lion costume scares a girl as he dances the traditional Chinese Lion Dance at the start of Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Havana, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. On this page, we've got the top ways to say "Happy Chinese New Year" in Chinese and Cantonese which you will use during the Chinese New Year period, which is from Chinese New Year's day (Jan. 29, 2025) up to the 15th day of the Chinese New Year (Feb 12, 2025). The Lunar New Year begins Jan. 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes wisdom, intuition and transformation in the new year. As Houstonians celebrate Lunar New Year festivities This year, the Chinese New Year 2023, will fall on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023 and end on February 5th, 2023. The Chinese New Year is celebrated for 16 days. Wait, can I still say Chinese New Year, or should I say Lunar New Year, Spring Festival, or something else? With the intention of being inclusive, what should this Holiday be called? 你好 (Hello), I'm Tayla! I am a language enthusiast and amateur connoisseur of Chinese cuisine. My posts are a reflection of my passion for Mandarin, and I aim to help others communicate in this fascinating language, be it about special terms like "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome", common words like "airport terminal", or even fun phrases like "Happy Lunar New Year". Discover 25 ways to say Happy New Year in Chinese and Cantones! Learn 2024 new year greetings and wishes, complete with audio, pinyin, and English meanings. We'll also teach you how to write Happy New Year in Chinese. Get ready to impress your loved ones as the Dragon New Year approaches.
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