Chinese New Year 2025

The Chinese New Year in 2025 will be celebrated on January 29, and will begin with the second new moon after the winter solstice. It is the most important holiday in Chinese culture and is celebrated for 15 days. The holiday culminates with the Lantern Festival. 

Each year has its own symbol and 2025 is the year of Green Tree Snake. The snake is considered a mysterious and wise creature which imposes a certain character on the year. In the year of Snake, it is customary to be more careful in making decisions and to exercise patience in order to achieve success. It is also believed that the year of Snake can be a period of reinvention and spiritual growth. In addition, Wood element adds an element of growth, renewal and new beginnings to this year.

Chinese New Year is not only a cultural event, but also time for family gatherings, reflection and future planning.

Chinese New Year Traditions:

• Cooking and family meals: Families gather around the table to eat traditional foods such as dumplings (they symbolize wealth), duck, fish (symbolizing good luck and prosperity), and sweets, which symbolize growth and prosperity.
• Decorations and red envelopes: Red is a lucky color, therefore houses are decorated with red lanterns, ribbons and other decorations during holiday season. Red envelopes with money are a symbol of prosperity and good luck in the new year. They are given to children and young adults.
• Setting off fireworks: During Chinese New Year, it is customary to set off fireworks and firecrackers to ward off the evil spirit. 
• House cleaning: Before the holidays, many Chinese people do a general cleaning to get rid of old things and make room for new ones. It symbolizes purification and preparation for luck.
• Family gatherings and visits: Families often gather to spend time together. Visits to relatives, especially the older generation, to pay respects and receive blessings are important.
• Chinese dragon and lion dances: Traditional dragon and lion dances are often seen in major cities and at public events. These dances are accompanied by music and are a symbol of exorcising evil spirits.

All these traditions reflect desire for happiness, prosperity and renewal, which is especially important during this period, which is a time for new beginnings according to the Chinese calendar.