Global Celebrations Mark the Start of the Year of the snake
BEIJING — Firecrackers echoed across Asia and beyond as millions worldwide celebrated the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake. Known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam, and Seollal in Korea, this vibrant holiday is a cornerstone of cultural traditions across the globe.
In Beijing, throngs of people bundled in down jackets gathered at a temple fair in a local park. Amid the chilly yet sunny weather, some rang bells and tossed coins into gold bar-shaped containers for good luck, while others indulged in customary snacks and snapped photos with a person dressed as the God of Wealth. “The past year was a vrey busy one for me, as I had to take care of both my kid and my work,” shared Beijing resident Jiang Hecang. “In the Year of the Snake, I wish my kid will grow healthily and my work can remain stable. then I can be happy enough.”
The Lunar New year is a time for families to reunite and wish for prosperity. Many Chinese who work in larger cities return home during the eight-day national holiday, creating what is frequently enough described as the world’s biggest annual human migration. This exodus transforms Beijing into a ghost town, with shops closed and streets eerily quiet.In Malaysia,the crackling of firecrackers outside Kuala Lumpur’s Guan Di temple heralded the new year,followed by lion dances accompanied by rhythmic drumming. Ethnic Chinese bowed with incense sticks before placing them in ornate gold-colored pots, their smoke rising as a symbol of prayers for blessings.
Hong Kong’s Wong Tai Sin Taoist temple saw hundreds lining up on the eve of the Lunar New Year, eager to be among the frist to place incense sticks at the main hall. “I wish my family will be blessed. I hope my business will run well. I pray for my contry and wish people peace. I hope this coming year is a better year,” said Ming So, a regular participant in the late-night ritual.
Online, Google joined the festivities by featuring the classic snake game on its homepage, adding a digital twist to the celebrations.
Traditionally, Chinese families gather for a festive dinner on New Year’s Eve, followed by temple visits and fairs filled with performances, snacks, and trinkets. “I bring my children here to experience the atmosphere, because the New Year atmosphere … is fading,” said beijing resident Wang Xinxin at Ditan Park’s temple fair.“Children like mine don’t have much idea what New Year was like in Beijing before, but here we can still see some elements of it.”
however, government restrictions have curbed some traditions, with major cities banning the once-ubiquitous firecrackers that filled the air with noise and smoke.Many Chinese use the extended holiday to travel domestically and abroad. According to Ctrip, an online booking agency operating Trip.com, the most popular destinations this year include Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, the United States, South Korea, Macao, and Vietnam.
In Moscow,a colorful procession featuring drummers,costumed dancers,and dragon and snake figures kicked off a 10-day Lunar New Year festival. Visitors cheered and waved, capturing the spectacle on smartphones. “Happy New Year!” they shouted in Russian,reveling in the blend of Chinese food,folk performances,and art.
Cuba’s small Chinese community also celebrated with a parade of glowing lanterns and dragons winding through Havana’s Chinatown.Once home to one of the largest Chinese communities in the Americas, the island now blends traditional Chinese celebrations with Cuban flair, incorporating rum and cigars into the festivities.As the Year of the Snake begins, the world comes together to honor traditions, seek blessings, and embrace the promise of a prosperous new year.
| Key Highlights of Lunar New Year 2025 |
|——————————————|
| Zodiac Animal | Year of the Snake |
| Major Celebrations | Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Moscow, Havana |
| Popular Traditions | Temple fairs, lion dances, incense offerings, family reunions |
| Top Travel Destinations | Japan, thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, United States, South Korea, Macao, Vietnam |
| Unique Celebrations | Moscow’s 10-day festival, havana’s lantern parade |
Join the global festivity and explore the rich traditions of the Lunar New Year. Weather you’re ringing bells in Beijing or watching lion dances in Kuala Lumpur, the year of the Snake offers a chance to embrace culture, family, and hope for the future.
Exploring Lunar New Year Traditions and Celebrations in the Year of the Snake
as the world welcomes the year of the Snake, the Lunar New Year brings together rich traditions, vibrant celebrations, and family reunions across the globe. From the bustling temple fairs in Beijing to the lantern parades in Havana, this festive season is a time for cultural reflection and hope for the future. To delve deeper into the importance of these celebrations, we sat down with Dr. Mei Ling, a cultural anthropologist specializing in Asian traditions, for an insightful discussion.
The Essence of Lunar new Year Celebrations
Editor: Dr.Ling, what makes the Lunar New Year such a meaningful event across different cultures?
Dr. Mei ling: The Lunar New Year, known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam, and Seollal in Korea, is deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions. It symbolizes renewal, family unity, and the hope for prosperity. Families gather for festive dinners, visit temples, and participate in activities like lion dances and temple fairs. These rituals strengthen cultural identity and foster a sense of community.
Popular Traditions and Their Meanings
Editor: Could you elaborate on some of the most popular traditions, such as temple fairs and incense offerings?
Dr. Mei Ling: Temple fairs are central to Lunar new year celebrations, especially in cities like Beijing. They are vibrant hubs of activity, featuring performances, traditional snacks, and trinkets. Incense offerings, conversely, are a spiritual practice were people bow with incense sticks, symbolizing prayers for blessings and good fortune. These traditions connect people to their heritage and provide a tangible way to express their hopes for the new year.
Unique Celebrations Around the World
Editor: The Year of the Snake is celebrated uniquely in different parts of the world. Can you highlight some of these distinctive events?
Dr. Mei Ling: Absolutely! In Moscow, a 10-day festival features colorful processions with drummers, costumed dancers, and dragon and snake figures. it’s a stunning blend of Russian and Chinese cultures. Simultaneously occurring, havana’s Chinatown hosts a lantern parade, incorporating Cuban flair with rum and cigars. these celebrations showcase how Lunar New Year transcends cultural boundaries while retaining its core essence.
Top Travel Destinations for Lunar New Year
Editor: Many people use this holiday as an opportunity to travel. What are some of the top destinations for Lunar New Year celebrations?
Dr. Mei Ling: Popular destinations include Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, the United States, South Korea, Macao, and Vietnam. Each of these places offers unique experiences, from Hong Kong’s wong Tai Sin Temple rituals to the lively festivities in Kuala Lumpur. Travelers can immerse themselves in diverse traditions while enjoying the holiday spirit.
The Significance of the Year of the Snake
Editor: What does the Year of the Snake signify, and how do people embrace its symbolism?
Dr.Mei Ling: In chinese astrology, the Snake represents wisdom, transformation, and resilience. People seek to embody these traits as they set intentions for the new year. Whether through personal growth or professional stability, the Year of the Snake encourages us to navigate challenges with grace and optimism.
Concluding Thoughts
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ling, for sharing your expertise. What’s your final message to our readers about the Lunar New Year?
Dr. Mei Ling: The Lunar New Year is a beautiful reminder of the power of tradition, family, and hope. Whether you’re celebrating at home or exploring new cultures, take time to reflect on the past year and set meaningful intentions for the future. Embrace the Year of the Snake with an open heart and a spirit of gratitude.
As we conclude this insightful conversation, it’s clear that the Lunar New Year is more than just a holiday—it’s a global festivity of culture, unity, and the enduring human spirit. May the Year of the Snake bring prosperity, joy, and renewal to all.
