Lunar (Chinese) New Year

Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of the year in the lunisolar calendar. Generally it falls between the end of January and the middle of February on the Gregorian calendar. This is the longest and most festive of Chinese holidays. Celebrations begin the night before and can sometimes last up to a month.

People of Chinese heritage celebrate the Chinese New Year all around the world. Chinese New Year is all about banishing bad fortune from the previous year and bringing good fortune into the New Year. People will often clean their houses to start fresh.

Most commonly, on New Year’s Eve, people get together to eat a traditional meal with family near and far. This is similar to Christmas dinner in the west. Red is a common color for clothing and traditional decorations such as lanterns around the New Year. This is because red was once believed to scare off the mythological dragon, Nian, who would terrorize the Chinese people around New Years’ time. Red envelopes filled with money are often given to children by married members of the family. Fireworks are often set off because they are believed to ward off evil spirits, keeping misfortune away for the coming year.

The countries that celebrate Lunar New Year (lunisolar or Chinese calendar):

China (Spring Festival - public holiday)

In China, Chinese New Year is the biggest festival of the year. In the Chinese Calendar, every year represents one of 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals which repeat every 12 years. For more on the Chinese Festivals and Traditions, click here. 

Brunei (Chinese New Year - public holiday)

In Brunei, Chinese New Year is celebrated with festivities that include family reunions, traditional performances, and the exchange of gifts. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and well-wishing for the coming year.

Indonesia (public holiday)

In areas with a significant Chinese population in Indonesia, such as Jakarta and Surabaya, Lunar New Year is celebrated with various traditions. Festivities include family reunions, traditional performances, and the lighting of lanterns. Public spaces and shopping malls are often adorned with colorful decorations.

Malaysia (Chinese New Year - public holiday)

In Malaysia, Lunar New Year, known locally as Chinese New Year or "Tahun Baru Cina," is widely celebrated by the Chinese community, which constitutes a significant portion of the country's population. The festivities are marked by various traditions, cultural events, and communal celebrations.

South Korea (Seollal  - public holiday)

Seollal is the Korean New Year, and it is a major traditional holiday. Families gather for ancestral rituals, bowing ceremonies (sebae), and a special meal called ddeokguk (rice cake soup). Many Koreans also participate in various customs to ensure good luck and fortune for the coming year.

North Korea (Seollal - public holiday)

In North Korea, Lunar New Year is celebrated with traditional customs similar to those in South Korea. Families come together for ancestral rituals, bowing ceremonies, and special meals.

Singapore (Chinese New Year - public holiday)

In Singapore, Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals. The city-state boasts a diverse population, and the Chinese community plays a major role in the festivities. Lunar New Year in Singapore is not only celebrated by the Chinese community but is embraced by the multicultural society as a whole.

Vietnam (Tet Nguyen Dan - public holiday)

In Vietnam, the Lunar New Year is the most important and popular festival in the country. Families clean and decorate their homes, prepare special foods, and exchange gifts. Traditional activities include dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and the giving of red envelopes.

Australia (Lunar New Year)

Lunar New Year is celebrated in Australia, with events taking place in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Festivities include dragon and lion dances, cultural performances, and community celebrations that showcase the diversity of Asian cultures.

Canada

Lunar New Year celebrations in Canada are marked by a sense of community, cultural pride, and the sharing of traditions with the broader Canadian population. The festivities are marked by various cultural events, community celebrations, and traditions that showcase the rich heritage of Chinese Canadians.

India

Regions with a significant Chinese community in India, such as Kolkata, Lunar New Year is celebrated with traditional customs. Festivities include family gatherings, temple visits, dragon and lion dances, and the sharing of special meals.

Philippines

Chinese New Year is celebrated in the Philippines, especially in areas with a significant Chinese community. Festivities include dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and various cultural performances. The celebration often involves Filipino-Chinese communities participating in events together.

United Kingdom

In cities with a significant Chinese diaspora, such as London, Lunar New Year celebrations feature cultural events, parades, and traditional performances. It's a time for the Chinese community to showcase their heritage and share the festivities with a wider audience.

United States

Chinese communities in the United States celebrate Lunar New Year with various events and activities. Parades, cultural performances, traditional food, and festive decorations are common in cities with significant Chinese populations.