Lunar New Year is a major celebration for millions of people, especially in East and Southeast Asia. This year, it marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake and starts on January 29. Festivities begin the night before and last for 15 days.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which begins on January 1, Lunar New Year follows the lunar calendar, meaning the date changes each year. It usually falls between January 21 and February 20, on the first new moon of the year.
Families gather to share special meals, including long noodles, which symbolise a long life. People wear traditional clothes, decorate with red lanterns, and enjoy fireworks, parades, and lion dances. Before the celebrations, many clean their homes to sweep away bad luck.
Children often receive red envelopes filled with money as a sign of good fortune. Many people travel long distances to visit loved ones, making this one of the biggest travel times of the year.
Each Lunar New Year is linked to one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The order comes from an ancient story about a race across a river, where the Rat won by being the cleverest. The other animals finished in a set order, creating a 12-year cycle.
