Lunar New Year (春节 Chūn Jié), also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant and widely loved holidays celebrated by many people around the world, specifically in East Asian countries like China, South Korea, and Vietnam. In 2025, the Lunar New Year fell on February 29th, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac.
Chinese Zodiacs (生肖 shēng xiāo) differ slightly from the familiar zodiac signs that Americans associate with, as they are set up in a rotation of years rather than months, and are connected directly to animals, unlike the constellations that gave other zodiacs their names. Through all these differences, Chinese zodiacs have levels of compatibility with other signs. In the same way that Leo signs are compatible with other fire signs, those born in the year of the rat (鼠 shǔ) are believed to work better with and even be romantically compatible with those born in the year of the dragon (龙 lóng).
The festivities for the Lunar New Year typically last 15 days, starting with the New Year’s Eve dinner and culminating in the Lantern Festival (元宵节 Yuán Xiāo Jié). Families gather to enjoy a feast with traditional dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, and fish, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. It’s a time for reunion, where family members travel far and wide to celebrate together.
Decorations play a crucial role in setting the festive mood. Red lanterns, couplets with phrases promoting prosperity and luck, and beautiful paper cuttings adorn homes as well as public spaces. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. Additionally, the giving of red envelopes filled with money, known 红包 (hóngbāo), is a cherished tradition, especially among children and unmarried adults. “The decorations are probably my favorite aspect of Lunar New Year celebrations,” says Annie Malack, a student at Quakertown Community High School. “Even though we don’t really celebrate the holiday, it’s nice to see other interesting traditions from around the world.”
The Lunar New Year is not just about family and food; it’s also rich in cultural activities. Dragon and lion dances are paired with drums and cymbals for colorful and eye-catching performances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the festival, gathering crowds of people to watch and cheer. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits and welcome the new year. Temples are filled with people praying for health, wealth, and happiness for themselves and loved ones in the coming year. Katie Bell, another student from Quakertown, says that her favorite aspect of Lunar New Year is “seeing how other people celebrate different holidays, and the treats look delicious.”
In 2025, the Year of the Snake is expected to bring wisdom, intuition, and a sense of mystery. Those born under this sign are thought to be intelligent, graceful, and analytical. As we step into this new year, the hope is for a year filled with prosperity, joy, and new beginnings for all.
