Date, Animal this year and Holiday Status around the World

Chinese New Year which is known as the Spring Festival is one of the most important cultural holidays in the world. This event has strong Chinese roots, and is celebrated over many days in the form of lively parades, family get-togethers, and festivities. Chinese New Year is observed with special meaning every year and in 2025, it will mark the beginning of the Year of the Snake. Here is everything you need to know about Chinese New Year 2025, including its date and worldwide celebrations.

When is Chinese New Year 2025?

Because Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, it occurs on a different date every year. Chinese New Year will start on January 29th, 2025. This date marks the beginning of a new lunar year, which occurs between January 21 and February 20th. 

The date of Chinese New Year varies according to the lunar calendar, which is based on the moon’s cycles in comparison to the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar year. The Lantern Festival is held on the fifteenth day of the new lunar year.

How Long is the Chinese New Year 2025?

The Chinese New Year 2025, will begin on January 29th, 2025 and will last until February 12th. While the holiday is traditionally celebrated for 16 days, the first 7 days are the official public holiday period. It will take place in 2025 from January 29 to February 4. Families get together around this time to celebrate with a variety of traditions, including feasts, reunions, and exchanging red envelopes for good fortune. The celebration’s last days are devoted to paying respect to ancestors and seeking blessings for the coming year. 

The Animal of the Year: The Snake (2025)

Each Chinese New Year is linked with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. After the Year of the Dragon (2024), the Year of the Snake will begin in 2025. The Chinese zodiac has assigned an animal to each year and this cycle runs for 12 years. The sixth animal in this cycle, the snake represents qualities like grace, intelligence, and intuition.

People who were born in the Year of the Snake are frequently thought to have traits like intelligence, grace, and sensitivity. They are also regarded as independent and capable of overcoming obstacles if they are determined. 

Here is the sequence of animals in the Chinese zodiac: 

• Rat
• Ox
• Tiger
• Hare or Rabbit
• Dragon
• Snake
• Horse
• Sheep
• Monkey
• Rooster
• Dog
• Pig

How Is Chinese New Year Celebrated Around the World?

Chinese New Year celebrations are vibrant, colourful, and rich in cultural traditions. The holiday marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, symbolising renewal and the hope for a prosperous year ahead. Here is how it is celebrated around the world: 

China: Firecrackers and Folklore

In China, locals and tourists alike celebrate the Lunar New Year by setting off fireworks and firecrackers, a tradition rooted in ancient folklore. According to legend, these loud noises ward off evil spirits, particularly the mythical monster Nian, who was believed to terrorize villages at the start of the year. The use of red decorations, candles, and firecrackers was said to scare Nian away, and these customs continue today in temples and fireworks displays. However, some cities have imposed firework bans due to concerns over pollution and safety.

United States: Cultural Festivities

Asian communities across the U.S., particularly in states like California and New York, host grand Lunar New Year celebrations. California features vibrant festivals with lion dances, floral displays, and the iconic Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles, which attracts over 100,000 spectators annually. Other communities, such as Monterey Park, reflect on the past, commemorating the lives lost in the 2023 tragedy while continuing to celebrate the spirit of the New Year.

South Korea: Honoring Tradition

Known as Seollal, Lunar New Year in South Korea is a time for family reunions and ancestral rituals. Families prepare traditional offerings of food and bow deeply (sebae) to their elders as a mark of respect. Traditional attire (hanbok) is worn, and festive dishes like rice cake soup (tteokguk) and dumplings (mandu) are enjoyed. Folk games such as Yut Nori and kite flying are popular activities during the holiday.

South Africa: Temple Celebrations

In South Africa, the Buddhist Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit becomes the center of Lunar New Year festivities. Attendees dress in traditional outfits, offer prayers, and perform dragon dances, embracing the cultural significance of the New Year.

Indonesia: Blending Cultures

Indonesia celebrates Lunar New Year with unique customs that blend Chinese and local traditions. In Jakarta, the historic Yin De Yuan Temple, dating back to 1650, hosts prayer ceremonies under red lanterns and candles. In Semarang and Solo, cultural events like lion dances and the Grebeg Sudiro festival combine Chinese and Javanese influences. The festival features cone-shaped displays of food and a tradition of “fighting” for offerings, symbolising the effort needed to earn sustenance.

United Kingdom: London’s Extravaganza

In London, the Chinatown Chinese Association organizes a grand parade with dragon dancers and cultural performances at Trafalgar Square. The event also includes opera, martial arts, and food stalls. London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed gratitude to East and South East Asian communities, wishing everyone a prosperous Lunar New Year.

In conclusion, Lunar New Year  or Chinese New Year is a global celebration, uniting people across diverse cultures with shared traditions of joy, reflection, and hope for a prosperous year ahead.