Lunar New Year: Snake Year Guide

Wednesday, 29 January, 2025202 words3 minutes

As we approach 2025, the world prepares to usher in the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac calendar. The Lunar New Year, commencing on January 29, 2025, is a 15-day celebration steeped in rich cultural traditions and symbolism.

The festival begins with thorough house cleaning to sweep away any lingering bad luck from the previous year. Homes are then adorned with red decorations, including banners bearing auspicious phrases, to invite good fortune and ward off the mythical beast Nian.

The Eve of Lunar New Year is marked by elaborate family feasts featuring dishes carefully chosen for their symbolic meanings. Fish, for instance, represents surplus, while dumplings resemble gold ingots, symbolizing wealth.

The distribution of red envelopes filled with money, known as hongbao or lai see, is a cherished tradition. These are typically given by married individuals to children and unmarried juniors, believed to ward off evil spirits.

The festival culminates on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival, a spectacular display of illuminated lanterns symbolizing the departure of winter and the arrival of spring. This final celebration under the first full moon of the lunar year is often referred to as Chinese Valentine's Day, rooted in ancient traditions of matchmaking.

Original News

Quiz

1. What is the significance of cleaning the house before Lunar New Year?

To prepare for guests

To sweep away bad luck

To make space for new furniture

2. Why are dumplings often eaten during Lunar New Year?

They're easy to make

They resemble gold ingots

They represent long life

3. What is the Lantern Festival said to symbolize?

The end of winter and start of spring

The harvest season

The founding of China

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