Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival celebrated in many East Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, Korea, and others. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year, typically falling between January 21st and February 20th on the Gregorian calendar.
The celebration is characterized by various customs and traditions, including family gatherings, feasting, fireworks, giving red envelopes with money (hongbao), cleaning and decorating homes with red decorations (symbolizing good luck and prosperity), and performing rituals to ward off evil spirits and ensure good fortune for the coming year.
Lunar New Year festivities typically last for several days, during which people engage in various cultural activities and rituals to welcome the new year and bid farewell to the old. It's a time for renewal, reunion, and reflection on the past year while looking forward to the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead.
Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle, such as the Year of the Rat, Year of the Ox, Year of the Tiger, and so on, with each animal having its own symbolism and characteristics. This year is the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is considered one of the most powerful and auspicious signs in the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Dragon is considered particularly special because dragons are symbols of strength, good fortune, and power in Chinese culture. During the Year of the Dragon, celebrations may be especially vibrant and auspicious, as people look forward to the positive energy associated with this powerful and revered symbol in Chinese astrology.