15 fun facts about Lunar New Year

Did you know that the Lunar New Year is celebrated by nearly 2 billion people around the globe? It’s more than just a holiday — it’s a time to embrace traditions, honor cultural heritage, and create unforgettable memories with family. From vibrant fireworks to symbolic red envelopes, the festivities are filled with meaning and joy. Discover 15 fascinating facts about Lunar New Year that will inspire your family to join in the celebrations this year.

1. It’s also called the Spring Festival

Although it falls in winter, Lunar New Year marks the beginning of spring in the lunar calendar. The name reflects its role as a time to celebrate renewal and growth. Families often use this opportunity to prepare for the year ahead, setting goals and focusing on fresh starts. It’s an ideal time to refresh your home and embrace the themes of hope and prosperity with your loved ones.

2. Red is the color of good fortune

Red symbolizes luck and prosperity in many cultures, and during Lunar New Year, it takes center stage. You’ll see red lanterns, envelopes, and decorations everywhere because red is believed to ward off evil spirits. Incorporating red into your family’s celebration, whether through clothing, decorations, or crafts, can bring an extra dose of festive energy and positivity to the holiday.

3. Red envelopes bring smiles — and cash!

Known as hongbao in Mandarin, these envelopes are filled with money and given to kids and younger relatives. The amount usually ends in an even number, as odd numbers are associated with funerals. It’s a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the importance of saving and sharing while delighting them with a token of love and good wishes.

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4. Fireworks scare away evil spirits

According to ancient folklore, loud noises and bright lights were used to scare off the mythical beast Nian. Today, fireworks continue this tradition, filling the skies with dazzling displays that symbolize joy and the banishment of bad luck. Watching fireworks together can be a memorable family activity that connects you to centuries-old customs.

5. Each year has an animal sign

The Chinese zodiac features 12 animals, cycling every year in a repeating pattern. Each zodiac animal is believed to influence personality traits and fortunes for that year. This year is the Year of the Snake. Exploring your family’s zodiac signs can be a fun way to learn about this unique aspect of Lunar New Year.

6. The date changes every year

Lunar New Year follows the lunar calendar, so the date varies between late January and mid-February. The exact timing is determined by the second new moon after the winter solstice. This means it’s always tied to natural cycles, aligning celebrations with the rhythms of the earth and moon. Planning ahead for this shifting date can make the holiday feel even more special as you prepare unique traditions each year.

7. It’s celebrated for 15 days

The festivities span over two weeks, starting with family reunions on New Year’s Eve and ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day. In many countries, this period is marked by public holidays, with most businesses closed and even entire weeks off to allow for uninterrupted celebrations. Each day features unique customs, such as offering sacrifices to ancestors, visiting relatives, or enjoying specific foods. This extended celebration allows families to cherish togetherness and immerse themselves in the holiday’s joyful traditions fully.

8. The Lantern Festival concludes the celebration

On the 15th day, families light lanterns to symbolize letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings. Sweet rice balls called tangyuan, representing togetherness, are also enjoyed. The Lantern Festival’s vibrant displays and symbolic rituals provide a fitting and joyful conclusion to the holiday.

9. Cleaning before New Year’s Day is essential

Sweeping or cleaning the house before the new year begins symbolizes clearing out bad luck from the previous year. Once New Year’s Day arrives, cleaning is avoided to ensure incoming luck isn’t swept away. This tradition is a fantastic opportunity to involve the whole family in tidying up and starting fresh together.

10. Dumplings symbolize wealth

Shaped like ancient gold ingots, dumplings are a must-eat during Lunar New Year as they symbolize wealth, prosperity, and good luck. This association comes from their resemblance to gold ingots, historically seen as a symbol of fortune. In some Chinese provinces, people place coins inside dumplings for Lunar New Year, believing it brings good luck to whoever finds the coin. Making dumplings as a family can be a delightful way to bond while embracing these rich traditions and symbolic meanings.

11. Reunion dinner is a big deal

The New Year’s Eve feast is the highlight of the celebrations, symbolizing family unity and prosperity. Traditional dishes like fish (for abundance), rice cakes (for growth), and longevity noodles (for a long life) are served. Sharing this meal strengthens family bonds and sets a positive tone for the year ahead.

12. New clothes symbolize a fresh start

Wearing new outfits during Lunar New Year represents a clean slate and renewed energy. Bright colors, particularly red, are chosen to attract good luck and positive vibes. Dressing up as a family can be a fun way to participate in this tradition and make the celebrations feel extra special.

13. Greetings matter

Traditional phrases like “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (“Wishing you wealth”) and “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (“Happy New Year”) are exchanged to spread good wishes. Teaching your family these greetings can be an enjoyable activity that deepens your connection to the holiday’s cultural roots.

14. It’s not just a Chinese tradition

While Lunar New Year is widely celebrated in China, it’s also a major holiday in countries like Vietnam (Tết), Korea (Seollal), and Singapore. Each country brings its own customs and flavors to the festivities. Exploring these cultural variations can broaden your family’s understanding and appreciation of the holiday.

15. Couplets spread good wishes

One of the most iconic Lunar New Year traditions is writing and displaying couplets — two-line poems that express hopes for the new year. These couplets are often written on red paper to symbolize good luck and prosperity. Families enjoy crafting these rhyming phrases together, discussing their wishes and goals for the year ahead. Once completed, the couplets are hung around doorways to invite fortune and happiness, making this a heartfelt and creative way to celebrate.

A celebration of culture and connection

Lunar New Year is more than just a holiday — it’s a time to honor traditions, share joy with loved ones, and look forward to the possibilities of a new year. Whether you’re making dumplings, lighting lanterns, or writing couplets, each tradition offers a chance to reflect, bond, and create cherished memories as a family.

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