New York, Jan 29, (V7N) - The Year of the Snake marks the beginning of the 2025 Lunar New Year, which kicks off on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and continues until the Lantern Festival on February 12. Unlike the Western New Year, which follows the Gregorian calendar, the Lunar New Year is celebrated based on the lunar calendar, which tracks the moon's 12 phases, making the holiday's date change every year.
 
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in China, is celebrated across several Asian countries, including China, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Though each country has its unique name for the holiday, such as Seollal in South Korea and Tết in Vietnam, it is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and looking forward to the future.
 
The Lunar New Year is a time for people to let go of past worries and focus on starting fresh. Families will gather to celebrate by sharing large meals and following cultural traditions. Homes are often cleaned before the celebrations begin, and red decorations are displayed to attract good fortune, as red is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture.
 
This year, 2025, marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac. People born in this year are thought to be intelligent, artistic, and charismatic but are also seen as mysterious and clever. Unlike in Western culture, where snakes are typically seen as symbols of evil, in Chinese culture, snakes are viewed with respect and often linked to wisdom and charm.
 
Throughout the 15-day festival, various traditions are celebrated, including lion dances to ward off evil spirits and fireworks to light up the sky. In some cultures, it's common to give red packets filled with money to younger family members as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
 
The festival concludes on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival, where people enjoy tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) and children carry lanterns through their neighborhoods.
 
Lunar New Year is more than just a holiday—it's a deep-rooted tradition that brings communities together to honor their past, embrace the future, and celebrate cultural heritage.
 
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