Chinese New Year 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Spring Festival Traditions and Calendar
Learn about Chinese New Year traditions, the lunar calendar, lucky customs, and how to celebrate the Spring Festival with family and friends.
Chinese New Year: The Most Important Holiday on the Lunar Calendar
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival (春节), is the most significant holiday in the Chinese calendar. Based on the lunar calendar, the date varies each year, typically falling between January 21 and February 20.
The Lunar Calendar System
Unlike the Gregorian calendar used in the West, the Chinese calendar follows lunar cycles. Each year is associated with one of 12 zodiac animals, creating a 12-year cycle. 2025 is the Year of the Snake (蛇年).
Key Dates for Chinese New Year 2025
Traditional Celebrations
Reunion Dinner
The most important meal of the year takes place on New Year's Eve. Families gather for a feast featuring lucky foods like fish (�? symbolizing abundance) and dumplings (饺子, shaped like ancient gold ingots).
Red Envelopes
Hongbao (红包) containing money are given to children and unmarried adults as blessings for the new year. The red color symbolizes good luck and wards off evil spirits.
Fireworks and Firecrackers
The tradition of setting off fireworks originated from the legend of Nian, a mythical beast scared away by loud noises and the color red.
Holiday Calendar Planning Tips
Regional Variations
The Spring Festival reminds us of the importance of family, cultural heritage, and new beginnings on the calendar of life.
