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 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. 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. 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 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. Unlike New Year's Day always falls on Jan 1st based on the Gregorian calendar, Lunar New Year's Day falls on different days each year. Different countries celebrated it on different dates. 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. Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the New Year celebration specific to China. Culturally, Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year are celebrated in similar ways. Lunar New Year rush starts after China lifts COVID travel rules. By Associated Press. Lion dancer makes impact on Chinese Lunar New Year tradition. By Mori Rothman, Michael D. Regan. Happy 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 key difference between the Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year is while the Lunar New Year is the broader term associated with the start of a new year on the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon, the Chinese New Year refers to the cultural traditions associated with celebrations within mainland China and Taiwan. Vietnam: Known as Tết in Vietnam, the Lunar New Year celebrations share similarities with Chinese New Year, including family gatherings, lucky money envelopes, and lion dances. However, Vietnamese celebrations have their distinct customs, such as decorating homes with peach blossoms and offering special trays of food to ancestors. 3. Start of the New Year. Lunar New Year: The Lunar New Year begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar, which can fall between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar. This 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 A Chinese New Year snack tray isn’t complete without candied fruits like winter melon. These treats symbolize a good start and end to the year. Aside from candied fruits, candied lotus roots are also typical Chinese New Year snacks. 6. Red Dates. Red dates, or hong zao, carry the symbolism of prosperity and success. Specifically speaking, the 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. What are the similarities between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year? The most common aspect the the two celebrations share is the use of the animal zodiac system. Both customs operate on a 12 year cycle of animals paired with one of five elements, wood, fire, Earth, metal or water. The coming Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on 29 January 2025, is ‘the Year of the Snake’ (蛇年 shé nián). It is sometimes poetically referred to as the ‘Year of the Small Dragon’ ( 小龙年 xiǎo l ó ng nián ) in Chinese culture. The Lunar New Year in 2025 welcomes the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Celebrated by millions around the world, this is a time for cultural traditions, family reunions, and hopes for good fortune in the coming year. Paper Fan Craft Instructions: This themed paper fan activity is perfect to use for the Chinese New Year, and can be popped onto an art provision table. Simply download, print, and enjoy! What is celebrated at Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China. Chinese Lunar New Year performances in Center Plaza Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Santa Monica Place! Visit us from January 28th to February 13th and write a wish for the cherry blossom wishing trees, stand under the red and gold lanterns in Center Plaza, and grab a photo with all of our festive Lunar New Year décor plus pick up a Lunar New Year craft kit for the kids*. Plus, visit us on
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