It’s the start of Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, which signifies the end of winter, the start of spring, and the arrival of the new year.
2025 is the Year of the Snake. If you were born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, or 2025 – you are a snake.
Some other things to know:
- The Chinese zodiac calendar is a 12-year cycle represented by animals.
- The Snake is the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac and symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and mystery. People born in the Year of the Snake are seen as intelligent, charming, and resourceful.
- The festival lasts 15 days. It begins with a dinner on New Year’s Eve and ends with the Lantern Festival, a night of light displays and traditional dragon dances. Traditionally, fireworks are set off to mark the new year and ward off monsters.
- To prepare for the new year, homes are thoroughly cleaned. This custom, called “sweeping the dust,” signifies removing bad luck from the previous year to welcome new possibilities. It is also advised that you pay off any debts ahead of the new year.
- Red is everywhere during Chinese New Year, from decorations to clothing. The color represents good luck, joy, and warding off evil spirits.
- Red envelopes containing money are given to children, family members, friends and employees as a symbol of good luck.