Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is celebrated by many people around the world. In 2025, the new year begins on 30 January and marks the start of the Year of the Wood Snake. People from countries like China, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia and others come to celebrate with the families and enjoy special traditions. The celebration of the Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days.
What is the Year of Wood Snake?
The Chinese zodiac has 12 animals, as the calendar is based on the lunar moon, the Lunar New Year represents an animal year. Along with the animal and earth element is also linked like Wood, Fire or Water.
Those born this year will be considered to have characteristics of the Wood Snake. The snake is said to be smart, wise and sometimes mysterious. The year 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013 was the Year of the Snake. The wood element brings growth, creativity and strength, so the Chinese believe that 2025 is a great year to try new things and grow.
Lunar New Year traditions
Lunar New Year is all about family. Chinese households decorate their homes with red lanterns, good luck messages, new year banners and lucky symbols. There’re fresh flowers around the house and kumquat trees are decorated as symbol of good luck and prosperity.
A fun tradition involves giving red envelopes filled with money. These are given to children and elders as a way to wish them good luck. In some cultures like Korean, their envelope colors are different. If you are away from your family and friends this Chinese New Year, don’t worry we are here, you can still send money, love and luck to them using Western Union, it’s quick and easy. Download the Western Union app now.
Lunar New Year celebrations around the world
Also known as Chinese New Year is celebrated largely in China, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Philippines and Chinatowns around the world like New York, London, San Francisco. Parades, decorations, delicious food and other celebrations can be seen during the Lunar New Year.
