Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival celebrated in many countries in Asia, particularly in China. It is based on the lunar calendar and usually falls between January 21 and February 20, depending on the lunar cycle. The Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days and are marked by family gatherings, feasting, fireworks, and many other festive activities. Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, with 2026 being the year of the Horse. The celebrations start with the New Year's Eve dinner, which is the most important meal of the year for many Chinese families. Traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and glutinous rice cakes are served, and red decorations are used to symbolize good luck and ward off evil spirits. Other customs and traditions associated with Chinese New Year include giving red envelopes filled with money to children, visiting family and friends, cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, and watching dragon and lion dances in the streets.