About Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year (often called Chinese New Year) marks the start of the new year in lunar lunisolar calendars. Celebrations typically last multiple days and focus on family reunions, honoring ancestors, cleaning homes to welcome good luck, and sharing symbolic foods. The date varies each year based on the lunar calendar.
Where it's celebrated
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Other years
Traditions & activities
Traditions
- Family reunion dinners
- House cleaning before the new year
- Giving red envelopes
- Fireworks and firecrackers
- Lion and dragon dances
- Visiting relatives and elders
- Decorating with red lanterns
- Temple visits and ancestor offerings
Activities
- Family gatherings
- Festival markets and fairs
- Watching lion/dragon dances
- Fireworks celebrations
- Exchanging gifts and red envelopes
- Cooking traditional dishes
- Visiting temples
- Cultural performances
Symbols & foods
Symbols
- Red color (good fortune)
- Lanterns (celebration and light)
- Zodiac animals (year identity)
- Red envelopes (luck and prosperity)
- Lion dance costume (warding off evil)
- Couplets (blessings and prosperity)
- Firecrackers (driving away bad luck)
- Oranges/mandarins (wealth and luck)
Traditional foods
- Dumplings
- Nian gao (rice cake)
- Long noodles (longevity)
- Fish (abundance)
- Spring rolls
- Tangyuan (sweet rice balls)
- Mandarins/oranges
- Hot pot
History & significance
History
Lunar New Year traditions span thousands of years and are rooted in agricultural seasonal cycles, ancestor veneration, and community festivities. Over time, regional customs developed across East and Southeast Asia and in global diaspora communities, turning the holiday into a major cultural celebration worldwide.
Significance
Lunar New Year represents renewal, family unity, and welcoming good fortune. It’s a major cultural moment to reset intentions for the year, honor ancestors, and strengthen community ties.
Frequently asked questions
When is Lunar New Year 2026?
Lunar New Year 2026 is on February 17, 2026 (Tuesday).
Is Lunar New Year a public holiday?
Public holiday status varies by country and region; in many places it is observed but not an official public holiday.
What day of the week is Lunar New Year 2026?
Lunar New Year 2026 falls on a Tuesday.
Is Lunar New Year 2026 a fixed date holiday?
Lunar New Year 2026 is a variable date holiday.
Which countries celebrate Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is celebrated in 7 countries including Singapore and more.