Happy Chinese New Year Year of the dragon signifies strength, nobility, honor, success, ferocity, power and good fortune. People born in the year of the dragon are believed to possess the characteristics of the mythical creature, including leadership qualities, confidence, intelligence and strength. Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, celebrates the dawn of a new year in the traditional Chinese calendar, bridging cultures and continents with its vibrant festivities. Rooted in ancient rituals and beliefs, from the cleansing of homes to the sharing of symbolic foods, it honours celestial deities and cherished ancestors. Find out about the Chinese New Year and its ancient traditions of celebration imbued with arts, interesting stories, and beautiful paintings. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, celebrates the Chinese New Year on their Lunisolar calendar, and celebrates the beginning of spring and the end of winter season. It is usually a week-long holiday in China, known for family gatherings and offering gratitude to the deities. The highlight of the celebration is Chinese New Year's Eve, when families gather for a reunion feast of symbolic foods, including dumplings shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots that represent wealth, and fish, which in Chinese is a homonym of "abundance." The fish must be only partially eaten because the leftovers signify continuing prosperity. Cover for Guo Nian Shu, or The Book of Chinese New Year, by renowned author Feng Jicai, released by the Writers Publishing House. [Photo provided to China Daily] Guo Nian Shu, or The Book of Reader’s Digest spoke with Leung and three other experts on Asian culture to walk you through it all before the upcoming celebrations. Read on to learn more about the most important Chinese and Wong adds that many Chinese traditions around the new year, like cleaning or eating sweets, are all about setting the mood for the year ahead. "A lot of it feels about intent. [Eating] sweet The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most important festival and celebration in China. Other East Asian and South Asian countries, such as Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, and Vietnam observe the holiday in their own unique ways and traditions. Read the Chinese Zodiac signs. This year is the Year of the Snake. There are twelve Chinese Zodiac signs, and these are taken far more seriously than a back-of-tabloid horoscope. 4. Kumquat Trees. Kumquat trees are a beloved Chinese New Year decoration, especially in regions like Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong and Guangxi. The word "kumquat" sounds similar to words for "gold" and "luck" in Chinese dialects, making it an auspicious choice. Chinese New Year 2025, also known as the Spring Festival, begins on January 29 and concludes with the Lantern Festival on February 12. It’s a time for renewal, family reunions, and vibrant celebrations observed by millions worldwide. Hong Kong is set to welcome the Year of the Snake with the much-anticipated Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, and this year, Filipino pride will take center stage. Representing the Philippines in this grand celebration is the renowned Canlaon City Pasayaw Dance Company, bringing their unique cultural flair and vibrant energy Chinese New Year recipes. Discover all the starters, mains and side recipes you need for the ultimate Chinese New Year feast. From spring rolls to char siu pork, China is home to a vast variety of incredible dishes and cuisines – so dig in! San Francisco Symphony is ringing in the Year of the Serpent with its annual Lunar New Year Concert conducted by Francesco Lecce-Chong. Don’t miss the pre-concert reception and the post-concert banquet dinner in Zellerback Rehearsal Hall in honor of the event’s 25th iteration. 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco . 2/15. CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival celebrates the beginning of a new year based on the lunisolar calendar. In 2021, the first day of the Chinese New Year falls on February 12, the Year of the Ox. This festival lasts for fifteen days and includes different kinds of traditional celebrations. They go back to ancient times and became an art form. Wong grew up going to a Chinese restaurant in the Bay Area that had set special menus for the new year. He remembers eating Chinese-style charcuterie that consisted of jellyfish, beef shank, and Usher in a bountiful year with award-winning Cantonese restaurant Hai Tien Lo’s selection of Chinese New Year favourites, from opulent hampers and takeaway bundles to delightful cakes and kuehs. This year, the restaurant offers three indulgent Yu Sheng platters, each designed to elevate the Lunar New Year celebrations. The dragon is in the street dancing beneath windows pasted with colored squares, past the man who leans into the phone booth’s red pagoda, past crates of doves and roosters veiled until dawn. It’s dangerous to stand here in the chastening glow, darkening my eyes in the mirror with the gulf of the
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