A Guide to Chinese New Year
A Guide to Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. It marks the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar and is a time for families to come together, celebrate, and welcome good fortune.
This is a quick guide to Chinese New Year as Chinese celebrates this festive holiday around the world. We, Malaysian Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year every year since the country independence.
The date of Chinese New Year changes every year, as it is based on the lunar calendar. It typically falls between late January and mid-February. In 2025, Chinese New Year is on 29th February marking the year of Snake.
Traditions and Customs:
Chinese New Year is a vibrant and festive occasion filled with numerous traditions and customs. Here are some of the most important ones. This include most Chinese families in Malaysia.
- Family Reunion Dinner: The most important tradition is the reunion dinner held on New Year’s Eve. Families gather to enjoy a sumptuous feast, symbolizing togetherness and abundance.
- Yee Sang: This is the tradition started from Malaysia. A unique food called Yee Sang will be available during this festive season. Family or friends will get together to toss ‘Yee Sang’ for good prosperity for the year. The salad of shredded vegetables with sweet sauce, condiments and topped with strips of raw fish and sprinkled with lime.
- Red Envelopes (Hongbao): Red envelopes filled with money are traditionally given to children and unmarried adults. The red color symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
- Lion and Dragon Dances: These colorful and energetic dances are performed in streets and temples to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
- Firecrackers and Fireworks: Setting off firecrackers and fireworks is a popular way to celebrate the new year and create a lively atmosphere.
- Temple Visits: Many people visit temples to pray for good fortune and blessings in the new year.
- Spring Cleaning: Before the new year arrives, houses are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune.
- Decorations: Red lanterns, paper cuttings, and auspicious symbols are used to decorate homes and streets, creating a festive ambiance.
Zodiac Animals:
Each year in the Chinese calendar is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. 2025 is the Year of the Snake. People born under the same zodiac sign are believed to share certain personality traits.
We wish everyone to have good health and good fortune for 2025. A Guide to Chinese New Year. Heng ar, Ong ar, Huat ar!
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