Celebrating Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year across many Asian cultures. While it is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, it is also widely celebrated in Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Mongolia, Tibet, and in Asian communities around the world. The celebration typically spans multiple days and marks a time of renewal, family reunions, and cultural traditions.
In 2026, Lunar New Year begins on February 17. In China, it is known as the Spring Festival or Chūnjié in Mandarin; in Korea, it is called Seollal; and in Vietnam, it is celebrated as Tết. Although customs vary across cultures, Lunar New Year is traditionally a time to honor ancestors and deities, gather with family, and welcome good fortune through feasts, parades, music, and fireworks meant to drive away negative energy.
The Lunar New Year typically begins with the first new moon between late January and mid-February and continues through the first 15 days of the lunar month, concluding with the full moon and the Lantern Festival in many traditions.
Zodiac Animals
Each year in the lunar calendar is represented by one of twelve zodiac animals: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. In addition to these animals, the calendar also incorporates the five elements—earth, water, fire, wood, and metal—creating a 60-year cyclical system.
Each year is associated with a specific animal and element pairing, believed to influence the characteristics, fortunes, and energy of that year.