Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, refers to the celebration that marks the beginning of the new year in the lunar calendar. It typically falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the cycles of the moon. This festival is widely observed in many East Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, Korea, and others.

The Lunar New Year is characterized by various cultural traditions, including family reunions, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts, particularly red envelopes containing money, which symbolize good luck and prosperity. It is also marked by vibrant parades, fireworks, and dragon and lion dances. Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, which has its own characteristics and significance.

The celebration serves as an important time for family bonding and honoring ancestors, with practices varying by region but often including cleaning homes to sweep away bad luck and decorating with auspicious symbols. Overall, the Lunar New Year represents renewal, hope, and the desire for good fortune in the year ahead.