Are Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year the Same Thing? 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 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. 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 Every year, the Lunar New Year marks the transition from one animal to another. The Year of the Dragon, which began on Feb. 10, 2024, ended Tuesday to begin the Year of the Snake. The start of the new year is a time of great celebration around the world. However, not all new years are celebrated on the same date or in the same way. In many Asian countries, Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is one of the most important holidays. 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. Lunar New Year celebrations can last up to 15 days, starting on the new moon between late January and mid-February. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar calendar. The new year begins Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year are two terms that often get used interchangeably - but they are not necessarily the same thing. Lunar New Year refers to the celebration of the new year based 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. 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.) Here's everything to know about the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. the Chinese New Year follows a lunar calendar based the moon's 12 phases. Each phase cycle spans approximately Here's everything to know about the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. the Chinese New Year follows a lunar calendar based the moon's 12 phases. Each phase cycle spans approximately Here's everything to know about the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. the Chinese New Year follows a lunar calendar based the moon's 12 phases. Each phase cycle spans approximately 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. A longstanding debate over the usage of “Chinese New Year” versus “Lunar New Year” has reignited in recent weeks as people around the world celebrated the holiday, with brands and 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. What is Lunar New Year? Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year, the date shifts within the Gregorian calendar. Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world, particularly in Asian countries like China, shown here (Beijing). Chinese New Year, alternatively referred to as the Spring Festival, is also commonly called the Lunar New Year – an inclusive name reflecting that many countries, not just China, recognize the Is Lunar and Chinese New Year the same? The Lunar New Year is observed on varying dates across different cultures. In China, it is widely referred to as Chinese New Year, though it celebrates the same occasion. What is Chinese New Year called now? Chinese New Year, also referred to as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most 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! Not to mention that the traditions of Chinese New Year are just fun with dragon dances, fireworks, and the like!
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