The Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year is a major celebration in many Asian countries and their diasporas around the globe. Chinese New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival, is Different countries across Asia celebrate the new year in many ways and may follow a different zodiac. What is the Lunar New Year? The Lunar New Year — known as the Spring Festival in China , Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea — is a major festival celebrated in several Asian countries. The Lunar New Year begins Jan. 29, and communities across the United States and worldwide are holding celebrations. China's most important holiday — the Lunar New Year is also widely celebrated While Lunar New Year might commonly be referred to as the Chinese New Year, this yearly celebration can be seen throughout Asia. These 10 Asian countries each enjoy the Lunar New Year with unique As our chart shows, Southeast Asia is the region in which most countries give their citizens time off for the beginning of the Chinese New Year. These include Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. Many of us aren't even aware of what countries celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year is based on the Chinese Lunar calendar, which runs approximately one to two months behind our calendar. It is also of little surprise that most of the countries that adhere to the Lunar calendar are also Asian in origin. Penang has a large Hokkien-speaking Chinese diaspora population, making it one of the most distinct places to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Pineapples take center stage in Penang's celebrations, as ong lai, the Hokkien word for pineapple, is a homonym for "arrival of prosperity." There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Lunar New Year in New York. Here are a few to look forward to: The Ace Hotel in Downtown Brooklyn is celebrating the Year of the Snake starting at 7.pm. on January 31, with a DJ, saxophonists, mah-jongg, Chinese New Year bites, and a mask-making station. Meanwhile, the largest Chinese New Year festival in Singapore is the River Hongbao, which is hosted at different locations across the country. 20 Best Places to Spend New Year's Eve Malaysia It always falls on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, which begins the day after the first new moon appears between 21 January and 20 February each year. That means that Chinese New Year Lunar New Year, a time of joy, renewal, and traditions, is celebrated across various countries in Asia and by Asian communities worldwide. While it’s widely referred to as Chinese New Year, it encompasses celebrations in many cultures, each adding unique rituals and traditions. New Year’s is not always fireworks and kisses. In Asia, it’s a time to ward off bad luck, celebrate good fortune, and commemorate family. And since most of these countries follow the lunar or solar calendar, their festivities take place in February, March, or April, instead of on January 1st. Chinese New Year heralds new beginnings with rich traditions and beautiful festivities. Image credit: Humphrey Muleba/Unsplash. Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is a traditional public holiday celebrated in China, Thailand, South Korea, North Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei and Bhutan. While all countries that celebrate New Year emphasize family reunions, specific celebrations and rituals encompassing the holiday are unique in each nation. CHINA. In China, the Lunar New Year is the one occasion where an entire country is holding a family reunion at once. During the 15 days of celebration, the government sees nearly three Singapore celebrates both New Year’s Eve (on December 31st) and Chinese New Year. With warm temperatures in the mid to high 20s °C (high 70s to low 80s °F), you won’t need to bundle up to enjoy the outdoor festivities. As Hong Kong’s most important celebration, Lunar New Year is the ideal time to visit for the cultural insight it affords. Visitors at this time have the chance to join locals in celebrating the occasion by seeking out the city’s temples and notorious flower markets, and by catching the annual parade around Tsim Sha Tsui – not to forget Victoria Harbor’s renowned fireworks. When China observes the Year of the Rabbit, Vietnam honors the cat, while the Chinese Year of the Ox is instead the Year of the Buffalo. Special dumplings and Buddhist chants. Tibet, which was annexed by China in 1950, calls its new year Losar, which falls in February or March, and very occasionally coincides with China’s Lunar New Year. This In Southeast Asia, countries with large Chinese populations such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia celebrate Chinese New Year with a mix of traditional and local customs. One of the most notable traditions is the lion dance, which is performed by teams of dancers dressed in colorful lion costumes. Singaporeans Scott Law (C) and Jean Ng (L), serve their friend Guyanese Krystal Joy (R) home cooked dishes as they celebrate Chinese New Year in Accra, Ghana. New: You can now listen to articles Where is the best Asia country to celebrate New Year? For a lively street party, Bangkok is a great choice. If you prefer a mix of traditional and modern celebrations, go for Tokyo. Where to celebrate New Year 2023 in Asia? Looking to ring in New Year’s Eve 2023? Hit up Bangkok for street parties and awesome fireworks by the river.
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