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What is the Lunar New Year?

The Lunar New Year is typically celebrated in China and other Asian countries – as well as in diasporic communities around the world. The Lunar New Year centres around the moon’s cycle rather than a static calendar date.

The Lunar New Year begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar. Celebrations last through the duration of this period between the first new moon and the first full moon. 

In 2025, celebrations will begin on Jan. 29 and last for 15 days. 

What’s significant about the Year of the Snake?

People born in the Year of the Snake are considered rational, calm, thoughtful, and loyal to the loved ones, according to the .

The Year of the Snake – specifically the year of the wood snake – continues until Feb. 16, 2026, when the Year of the Horse will begin.

The the last Year of the Wood Snake occurred in 1965, which completes the zodiac’s 60-year cycle that pairs the 12 zodiac animals with the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

“The Snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac, embodies traits such as intuition, strategy, and elegance,” according to . “When combined with the Wood element, 2025 emphasizes adaptability, creativity, and long-term planning.”

In Chinese zodiac, the snake is associated with wisdom, charm, elegance and transformation, according to . Those born during the Year of the Snake are believed to be intuitive, strategic and intelligent.

Due to a snake’s ability to shed its skin, the sign also symbolizes personal growth and renewal.

What are the Chinese zodiac signs?

The 12 Chinese zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Each year in a 12-year cycle is assigned an animal and each animal is associated with a personality that typifies the year and those born during that year, according to .

Astrology is present in Chinese culture, which is highlighted during Lunar New Year celebrations. 

What are some Lunar New Year traditions?

The Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of people around the world. The Lunar New Year is considered a time for “cultural traditions, family reunions and hopes for good fortune in the coming year,” according to an article on .

Cleaning

About 10 days before the beginning of the new lunar year, the explains houses are thoroughly cleaned to remove any bad luck that might be lingering inside, a custom called “sweeping of the grounds.”

Wearing and decorating with red

Red symbolizes prosperity and is thought to ward off evil spirits.

Giving money in a red envelop 

On New Year’s Day, it customary to receive and give red envelopes containing small amounts of money.

Special events and performances 

Dragon dances are commonly associated with Chinese New Year celebrations. This year, the snake dance may also be seen to ring in the Year of the Snake. These dances are traditionally performed to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits.

Cultural performances and parades are a highlight of Lunar New Year celebrations, where people sing, dance and perform. 

Find your Chinese zodiac sign and horoscope 

The Chinese zodiac is based on the Chinese calendar’s 12-year cycle.

Find your Chinese zodiac sign by  and explore to find your sign’s horoscope for the Year of the Snake. 

Some signs this year can expect more luck than others. If you wear certain colours based on your zodiac sign, it’s believed you can improve your luck.

during the Year of the Snake – based on your zodiac sign.