When referring specifically to the new year event when Chinese traditions and culture are celebrated, you can refer to it as "Chinese New Year". "Lunar New Year" is a more general term and encompasses all celebrations that mark a new year according to a lunar calendar. Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the new lunar year on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, while Lunar New Year encompasses various cultural celebrations that may occur around similar dates but differ in traditions and customs. Is it Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year? Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year refers to the same thing, the most important traditional festival in Hong Kong and Mainland China. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, typically falling in January or February, depending on the year. Differences Between Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year. Among all lunar-based calendars, the new year generally falls on the first day of the first lunar month. The Chinese calendar is also lunar-based (at least in part for the reckoning), which means the Chinese New Year is a Lunar New Year. While Lunar New Year is widely celebrated in Asia, Chinese New Year is specific to Chinese culture. Chinese people are the largest population that celebrates Lunar New Year, meaning all the “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. 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. These two phrases both refer to the Spring Festival (春节 chūn jié). Chinese Lunar New Year is the 1st of the first month in the Chinese calendar. The Lunar New Year usually starts sometime between late January and mid-February. This year, the festivities begin on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake . 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. 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? 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 What is Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which follows the phases of the moon and the solar terms. It usually falls between late January and mid-February The Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake. This article explores the snake's dual symbolism—representing potential dangers and good fortune, rebirth and wisdom. The Wood element adds nurturing and growth to the Snake's energy, promising a year of personal development, strong relationships, and environmental consciousness. Learn about the unique traits of the Wood Snake year and What Is the Difference between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year? The festival frequently referred to as ‘Chinese New Year’ is not only celebrated in China. The term ‘Lunar New Year’ is increasingly used to refer to festivals in other countries that take place at the same time and with many of the same traditions as in China. 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. 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. The festival that is frequently referred to as ‘Chinese New Year’ is not only celebrated in China. The term ‘Lunar New Year’ is increasingly used to refer to festivals in other countries that take place at the same time and with many of the same trad 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. By reading the major differences between Chinese Lunar New Year and Western New Year, you will get to know more about Chinese culture. If you are a cultural buff, it’s worthwhile to have a tour during Chinese Lunar New Year. See our sample tours for some inspiration. Explore China during Chinese Lunar New Year . 9 Days Chinese New Year Tour 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
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