Chinese Lunar New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is one of the most celebrated holidays in China and East Asia. This colorful festival lasts for 15 days and is filled with parades, family gatherings, and traditional customs. Here is a look at when it falls in 2025 and how it is celebrated.
When Does Chinese New Year 2025 Start?
Chinese New Year 2025 begins on January 29, Wednesday and ends with the Lantern Festival on February 12. Public holidays for the celebration will be from January 28 to February 4, as per the China Public Holiday List.
2025: The Year of the Snake
Each Chinese New Year is linked to one of the 12 zodiac animals. The year 2025 will be the Year of the Snake. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be wise, resourceful, and determined. The traits associated with the Snake also suggest that 2025 will be a year of careful planning and thoughtful decision-making.
This year, 2025, also belongs to the Wood Snake in Chinese cosmology. Wood symbolizes growth, creativity, and adaptability. The last Wood Snake year was in 1965, and the next one will occur in 2085.
Why is Chinese New Year Important?
Chinese New Year is rooted in ancient folklore. According to legend, a monster named Nian would attack villages on New Year’s Eve. To scare it away, villagers discovered that Nian feared the color red and loud sounds. This led to the traditions of setting off firecrackers and decorating with red, which continue to symbolize driving away evil and bringing good luck.
How is Chinese New Year Celebrated?
The celebrations focus on family and traditions. Here’s how it’s observed:
Reunion Dinner: Families gather on New Year’s Eve for a feast featuring symbolic dishes like dumplings, rice cakes, and fish, which represent prosperity and long life.
Lion and Dragon Dances: Parades often include lion and dragon dances to bring good luck and drive away negativity.
Red Envelopes: Red envelopes with money are given to children and younger family members as blessings for prosperity.
Lantern Festival: The 15-days-long celebration ends with the Lantern Festival. Streets light up with colorful lanterns, and families come together to enjoy festive foods and admire the decorations.
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