Millions of people are celebrating Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, around the world! This year, the festivities began on January 29th, marking the start of the Year Of The Snake. The celebrations last for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which starts on January 1st, the Lunar New Year starts on the new moon around the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, which means it’s date differs each year.
In Chinese tradition, each year is named after one of the twelve zodiac animals, following a race across a river. The snake is the sixth animal in the cycle, and people born in a ‘snake year’ (e.g. 2013, 2001, 1989) are often thought to be clever and determined.
Lunar New Year is a time for family, feasts and fun! Many people clean their homes beforehand to sweep away bad luck. Traditional foods, such as long noodles and dumplings, are enjoyed. The celebrations include fireworks, lion dances and parades, while children receive red envelopes filled with lucky money.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, or simply learning about the traditions, the Year of the Snake is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. Gong hei fat choy!