Welcoming the Year of the Snake; Lunar New Year 2025
The Lunar New Year, celebrated by many Asian cultures, begins on January 29, 2025, marking the start of the Year of the Snake. This 15-day festival, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant holidays in countries like China, Vietnam, and Korea, as well as among the Asian diaspora. The celebrations, which include family reunions, feasts, and traditional rituals, last until the Lantern Festival on February 12, 2025.
Traditions vary across cultures but often center around bringing good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Many families clean their homes thoroughly before the new year to rid themselves of bad luck and make way for good fortune. Red and gold decorations, symbolizing happiness and luck, are prominently displayed. Elders often give red envelopes filled with money to younger family members as a token of good fortune.
Food plays a central role in the festivities, with dishes like dumplings, rice cakes, and fish symbolizing abundance and prosperity. In some cultures, a “prosperity toss” salad is prepared, where participants toss ingredients high into the air while shouting wishes for good luck. The first day of the new year is considered especially significant, with many believing that their actions on this day set the tone for the entire year.
The Year of the Snake, which follows the Year of the Dragon, is associated with wisdom, intuition, and transformation. Those born in 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, or 2025 are said to embody the traits of the snake. The Chinese zodiac, a 12-year cycle of animal signs, is deeply rooted in lunar and cultural traditions, with each year also linked to one of five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, or water—creating a 60-year cycle.
As communities around the world prepare to welcome the Year of the Snake, the Lunar New Year remains a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration of cultural heritage.
Want good luck this year? Try these Lunar New Year traditions from NPR readers
Each culture that celebrates the Lunar New Year has traditions passed down from generation to generation that are thought to bring good luck. NPR read
www.npr.org
Chinese Lunar New Year 2025: Which Zodiac Animal Are You?
This week’s new moon, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, will signal the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which this year is called the Year of the Snake.
www.forbes.com
It's the Year of the Snake. Here's your guide to the Lunar New Year
How long are Lunar New Year festivities? What is the Chinese Zodiac? Here's what to know as the Year of the Snake celebrations begin.
www.usatoday.com
Chinese Lunar New Year 2025: What does the Year of the Snake mean, people who are born in it, and more
Chinese Lunar New Year 2025: 2025 is the Year of the Snake. The Lunar New Year is on January 29 and the celebrations end with Lantern Festival on Febr
www.hindustantimes.com
A Drink, Dish, and Dessert! 3 NYC Makers Share Their Lunar New Year Recipes Inspired by Loved Ones
From oolong highballs to mochi serpents, we invite three gourmands to share their ultimate Lunar New Year dishes to celebrate the year of the snake.
www.vogue.com
Where to Eat and Drink in Seattle for Lunar New Year 2025
Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake at these Seattle-area bars and restaurants.
seattle.eater.com
Elon Musk Did Not Bid on the Line Hotel in Adams Morgan
It was previously reported that the billionaire wanted to turn the property into a private social club.
www.washingtonian.com
What is Lunar New Year? Why are schools closed in New York state?
Lunar New Year is a new school holiday in New York state.
www.syracuse.com
Thousands ring in Lunar New Year in Seattle
Thousands gathered this weekend to mark the Lunar New Year, the first celebration since it became an official state holiday in Washington.
www.seattletimes.com
13 ideas to celebrate Lunar New Year in New York City
Celebrate the year of the wood snake with music, dance and more.
gothamist.com
Year of the Snake: PSG show off special Lunar New Year kit
PSG and some other clubs are ushering in the Year of the Snake with a special kit to mark the Lunar New Year.
www.espn.com