How Is Lunar New Year Celebrated Around the World?

Lunar New Year, known by many names—Spring Festival, Chinese New Year, Tet, Seollal—it marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated across Asia and diaspora communities with rich cultural depth. In 2025, as millions prepare to welcome the Year of the Snake, understanding how this festival is celebrated offers both insight and inspiration.

Core Traditions That Define the Festival

At the heart of Lunar New Year celebrations lies family reunion. On New Year’s Eve, families gather to share a lavish feast featuring symbolic dishes: dumplings representing wealth, fish symbolizing abundance, and spring rolls for prosperity. In Vietnam, households decorate homes with hoa mai (yellow aprons) and cây mai (paper decorations) to welcome good fortune. In Korea, seollal includes tteokguk soup, served with a bowl of rice to mark turning one year older.

Regional Rituals and Unique Customs

Each culture infuses Lunar New Year with distinct practices. In Taiwan, temple visits and lion dances bring community spirit, accompanied by firecrackers to ward off misfortune. Chinese communities worldwide host dragon and lion dances, red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money, and fireworks. In Cambodia, Choul Chnam Thmey features sand pagodas and royal processions, blending Buddhist and animist traditions. Meanwhile, Vietnamese families cleanse homes before the new year to sweep away bad luck, then light incense and offer prayers at ancestral altars.

Modern Celebrations and Evolving Practices

today, Lunar New Year balances tradition with contemporary life. Digital red envelopes have surged in popularity—especially among younger generations—allowing instant, convenient gifting across distances. Social media transforms celebrations with viral recipes, DIY decorations, and virtual family reunions. Cities like San Francisco, Sydney, and London host massive public parades with lantern-lit processions, attracting millions of visitors. Despite urbanization, core values remain: honoring ancestors, expressing gratitude, and fostering hope for the year ahead.

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This festival’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes—family, renewal, and celebration—making it a compelling topic for cultural education and inclusive storytelling. By honoring diverse customs, we strengthen cross-cultural understanding while keeping ancient wisdom alive in modern times.

Lunar New Year isn’t just a holiday—it’s a living legacy of resilience, community, and shared joy. As we prepare to welcome 2025, embracing its traditions invites us to connect deeper with history and each other. Start planning your celebration today—whether through a family feast, a symbolic gesture, or a digital gesture of care—and carry the spirit of renewal forward.