Why does Chinese New Year fall on different dates? Rather than following the western Gregorian Calendar with 365-day years, the Chinese New Year follows a lunar calendar based the moon's 12 phases When is Lunar New Year 2025? This year, Lunar New Year begins Jan. 29. Because the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, the beginning of the year happens on a different day each year. The Chinese New Year of 2025 falls on January 29th (Wednesday), and will last to February 2nd. It is the Year of Snake. As an official public holiday, Chinese people can get eight days' off from work, from January 28th to February 4th. The Chinese New Year of 2026 falls on February 17th (Tuesday), and will last to February 21th. It is the Year The seventh day of the Lunar New Year (February 4, 2025) is said to be when the Chinese mother goddess, Nuwa, created humanity. Thus, it’s called renri/jan jat (the people’s birthday). For Chinese people, Lunar New Year is the Spring Festival, and it’s celebrated widely in Taiwan and across Southeast Asia in countries with large Chinese populations, such as Singapore and Malaysia. People born in the Years of the Snake including 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, and 2025 will experience their Zodiac Year of Birth (Ben Ming Nian). 2026 Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 17th and it is the Year of Horse. Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year or Spring Festival 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. Snake is the new year animal. Learn more about Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, taboos, food, zodiac signs, and greetings. 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. There’s no set date for Chinese New Year According to the Lunar calendar, the Spring Festival is on January 1st and lasts until the 15th (the full moon). Unlike western holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, when you try to calculate it with the solar (Gregorian) calendar, the date is all over the place. Pre-Chinese New Year Preparations and Activities (Jan. 7–Feb. 12, 2025) Jan. 7, 2025: Laba Festival. Some Chinese start to celebrate and prepare for Chinese New Year as early as day 8 of the 12 th month of the lunar calendar. This is a festival called Laba ( 腊八 Làbā /laa-baa/ '12th lunar month' + '8'), in the traditional sense, which 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. Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year festivities are a symphony of tradition and innovation, from riveting temple hopping to timeless wishing rituals, the city is bursting with festive surprises. This year, Chinese New Year is celebrated on Wednesday, January 29, with the government declaring it a special non-working holiday. 2025 is the year of the Wooden Snake and according to Feng Shui expert and Geomancer Patrick Lim Fernandez, this year is all about building harmonious relationships As the Chinese Lunar New Year draws near, let’s sidestep the commercialized clutter—no fake amulets, no charlatans in stereotypical robes, no tacky trinkets, and definitely no wacky illogical superstitions which bastardize otherwise sublime Chinese culture. Instead, let us explore authentic traditions that spark joy, harmony, and genuine This free coloring page celebrates the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom and elegance. The image features a majestic snake, a Chinese character meaning 'snake,' and the message 'Happy Chinese New Year' to bring luck and happiness. Customize this drawing with your colors and add a name or message of your choice to make it unique. Use red for luck and joy, gold for wealth and prosperity. Add Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year and is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar. This year, Manchester’s Chinatown will be transformed into a festive wonderland, with lanterns, music, food, and family-friendly activities creating a magical atmosphere. There’s no set date for Chinese New Year According to the Lunar calendar, the Spring Festival is on January 1st and lasts until the 15th (the full moon). Unlike western holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, when you try to calculate it with the solar (Gregorian) calendar, the date is all over the place. The Chinese word for “book” (shū) sounds exactly the same as the word for “lose” – so buying a book right after ringing in the New Year is considered an invitation for bad luck. Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year or Spring Festival 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. Snake is the new year animal. Learn more about Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, taboos, food, zodiac signs, and greetings. Notably, two major events were held to mark Chinese New Year this year – a reception and a celebration – whereas only the celebration occurred in previous years. The New Year reception was held at the Inya Lake Hotel in Yangon on Jan. 23, attended by Prime Minister’s Office minister and ex-defense minister Tin Aung San.
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