January ushers in the traditional Western New Year and February the Chinese New Year. In 2025, Chinese New Year begins on January 29th. You will find the biggest observances in countries and territories including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and even Mauritius! However, any country with a significant Chinese community will hold regional celebrations. Start your year off “in the know” with these three fast facts on Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year / Spring Festival as it’s also commonly known:
1. Confidence, charm, and charisma!
Chinese New Year 2025 will usher in the year of the Snake, the sixth sign in the Chinese zodiac. If the Snake is your sign (you were born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and, of course, 2025), you are thought to be wise, intuitive, and graceful. According to Chinese astrology, the sixth zodiac sign symbolizes intelligence, calm determination, and an appreciation for beauty and mystery. Those born under this sign are often seen as strategic thinkers with a knack for solving complex problems. The Snake’s enigmatic nature makes it one of the most intriguing zodiac animals!
2. Timing Matters
Chinese New Year takes place on January 29th-February 11th this year. But, that’s not the whole story. Typically, families come together for a special “reunion dinner” on New Year’s Eve (January 28th) to kick off the holiday period. And the Spring Festival period officially ends with the Lantern Festival on February 11th, marking the first full moon night on the Chinese calendar.
3. Happiness Wrapped in Red
While gifting money in red envelopes is not a custom restricted to Chinese New Year, it is definitely the most popular time for it. These money-filled red envelopes (always use new money bills!) are known as hongbao in Mandarin and lai see in Cantonese. They are traditionally given to children, employees, and elders. If this feels old-fashioned, don’t worry, there’s an app for it. According to this article, in 2023 WeChat users sent over 4 billion red envelopes, including 600 million especially for New Year’s greetings.
