Traditional culture in plain words
Lunar New Year (農曆新年)
Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the liveliest traditional festival of the year in Chinese communities around the world. Customs differ a little from place to place, but the wish for reunion and blessing is the same.
At a glance
How the festivals began
The first day of the first lunar month is Spring Festival. In 2026 it falls on 17 February; in 2027, on 6 February; and in 2028, on 26 January. Zodiac signs and the year pillar traditionally change at Li Chun (立春), the Start of Spring; the public festivities open on New Year's Day itself.
In Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia and many other places, the Lunar New Year is usually a public holiday. Families pay New Year calls and give lai see (利是), the red packets that hold lucky money. Lanterns and red paper bearing lucky words hang along the streets.
Traditional customs
On New Year's Eve the whole family gathers for the reunion dinner (團年飯). On New Year's Day people call on one another and exchange lucky words. Elders give lai see to the young as a token of blessing. Many families eat year cake, whose name carries the wish to rise step by step. Dragon and lion dances are also a common part of the celebrations.
Festival dates are converted from the lunar calendar and are for reference only. Customs vary a little from place to place. For temple and community events, please follow the organisers' announcements.