Welcome to the Year of the Snake! Asian's New Year Traditions
Ah, Lunar New Year...
that special time when the entire continent of Asia seems to shine a little brighter. Travelers like us have the perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in a kaleidoscope of ancient traditions, heartwarming street food delicacies, and the unwavering warmth of family bonds.
In 2025, this vibrant holiday falls on January 29 and ushers in the Year of the Snake—a creature associated with wisdom, transformation, and intuition.
Here’s your guide to celebrating Lunar New Year in Asia.
For detailed descriptions of the preparations and subsequent celebrations of the Spring Festival, check out our earlier articles: “Preparing for the Spring Festival” and “Traditions of Celebrating Lunar New Year”.
In the meantime:
新年的祝福，平日的希冀，愿你心境祥和、充满爱意，愿你的世界全是美满，愿你一切称心如意，快乐无比。
恭喜发财! 🇨🇳🇲🇾🇹🇼🇸🇬🎆
Năm mới đã đến, hãy quên hết những chuyện buồn của năm cũ và hướng đến một năm tuyệt vời nhé
CHÚC MỪNG NĂM MỚI 🇻🇳
At New Year and always, may peace and love fill your heart, beauty fill your world, and contentment and joy fill your days.
Manigong Bagong Taon🇵🇭🎆
Happy New Year 🎆
China: Fireworks, Feasts and Fortune
The undisputed center of Chinese New Year celebrations, China, transforms into a kaleidoscope of red and gold. From metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai to rural villages, Chūn Jié (春节) begins with a bang—literally. Fireworks light up the night sky, warding off the mythical monster Nian and attracting prosperity.
Every home is illuminated by red lanterns and intricately placed fu (福) characters, often hung upside down to symbolize the “arrival of good fortune.” Don’t miss the traditional New Year’s dinner, a hearty feast of foods like dumplings (symbol of wealth) and fish (referring to abundance).
While celebrations vary by country, several key traditions are common:
Spring cleaning: A thorough cleaning of homes is a must, symbolizing the removal of bad luck and the welcoming of good fortune.
Red decorations: The red colour is considered auspicious, warding off evil spirits. Homes are decorated with red lanterns, banners, and pairs of wishes.
Visits: Families gather for feasts, exchange gifts, and pay homage to elders. During the New Year, China experiences the world’s largest migration of people. In fact, it is the only time of the year that workers get two weeks off.
Red envelopes (Hongbao/Lai See): Elders give children and unmarried adults red envelopes containing money as a blessing for prosperity.
Lion and dragon dances: Accompanied by drums and cymbals, these energetic performances are said to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Fireworks: Spectacular fireworks light up the night sky, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Regional differences:
Korea (Seollal): Families gather to pay homage to ancestors, enjoy traditional games like yut nori, and share a meal of tteokguk (rice cake soup).
Viet Nam (Tet): Vietnamese decorate their homes with peach blossoms and kumquat trees and enjoy a special dish called banh chung (glutinous rice cake).
What are the roots of Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year, celebrated throughout much of Asia, has deep roots in ancient history. Here’s a look at its historical background:
The holiday likely evolved from ancient Chinese agricultural rituals. Early Chinese civilizations were heavily dependent on agriculture, and the Lunar New Year coincided with the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new cycle.
An important aspect of the holiday was honoring ancestors and securing their blessings for the coming year.
Many legends and myths surround the origins of the holiday, such as the story of the Nian, a mythical beast that terrorized villages until people discovered that it was afraid of loud noises and the red colour.
During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), the celebration gained official recognition, and many of its core traditions began to emerge, such as fireworks and lion dances.
As Chinese culture and trade developed, Lunar New Year celebrations spread to neighboring countries, including Korea, Viet Nam, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Over the centuries, local customs and beliefs influenced the festival, resulting in a variety of celebrations in different regions.
During imperial times, Lunar New Year was a grand event at the imperial court, with elaborate ceremonies and feasts. The festival also provided an opportunity for family reunions, social gatherings, and economic activity, as people traveled to visit relatives and engage in trade.
Viet Nam: A Tết You'll Remember
Viet Nam has been heavily influenced by Chinese culture, including its calendar system, for centuries. Many of the early traditions of Tet mirrored those of Chinese New Year, such as ancestor veneration, spring cleaning, and the use of red decorations.
Over time, Tet has developed its own unique character. Ancestor veneration remains central, but with Vietnamese cultural nuances. Tet is a time of deep family unity, with a strong emphasis on visiting relatives and honoring elders.
In Viet Nam, Tết Nguyên Đán is more than just New Year—it’s about rebirth. Residents meticulously clean their homes, pay off debts, and offer prayers at altars filled with incense, flowers, and symbolic fruits like kumquats and watermelons.
The streets come alive with lion dances and parades, and families exchange red envelopes containing lì xì (good luck money). Foodies can’t miss bánh chưng – square sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves that combine history, tradition and delicious simplicity.
Unique symbols for Viet Nam?
Peach blossoms, symbolizing longevity and happiness. Kumquat trees, representing prosperity and good fortune.
Today, Tet remains the most important holiday in Viet Nam, a time for family gatherings, cultural performances, and lively celebrations. While some traditions have evolved, the core values of family, respect, and renewal are still preserved.
Travel tip: Visit Ha Noi, especially its Old Quarter. The mix of chaos and charm during the celebrations is unforgettable.
How is Lunar New Year celebrated in Southeast Asia?
South Korea: The Tranquility and Tradition of Seollal
South Korea’s Seollal offers a quieter but equally meaningful version of New Year’s. The focus of the celebrations is family gatherings, where people wear traditional hanbok costumes and perform ancestral rituals called charye.
Be sure to try tteokguk, a clear broth with slices of rice cake that symbolically “adds a year to the age.” Don’t miss out on yutnori, traditional board games that are a great way to connect with locals.
Travel tip: Visit a hanok village in Jeonju to experience these traditions in historic Korean homes.
Singapore and Malaysia: A Multicultural Feast
In Singapore and Malaysia, Lunar New Year is a colourful mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. Singapore’s Chinatown and Kuala Lumpur’s Petaling Street are decorated with lanterns, dragons and colourful cultural displays.
One of the highlights is throwing yee sang – a raw fish salad, with each ingredient representing good fortune. The higher you throw it, the luckier you’ll be!
Travel tip: Stay for Chingay, Singapore’s spectacular street parade, full of flashy floats, performers and incredible energy.
Hong Kong: Parades, Prayers and Glamour
Hong Kong takes Chinese New Year to the next level. Flower markets filled with cherry blossoms and tangerine trees, night parades and spectacular fireworks over Victoria Harbour are just some of the attractions.
Temples like Wong Tai Sin attract crowds of worshippers seeking blessings for the coming year. Take a chance and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and maybe a little extra luck.
Travel tip: Shop at the Ladies Market in Mong Kok for unique New Year souvenirs.
Philippines: Family First, Fireworks Second
While not traditionally a Chinese holiday, the Philippines celebrates Lunar New Year with Filipino panache. Expect dragon dances, fireworks, and local touches like coconut-infused sticky rice desserts. It’s less about strict rituals and more about joy and community.
As the Year of the Wooden Snake creeps toward our doorstep, it reminds us to appreciate wisdom, perseverance, and a dash of adventure. So pack your bags, prepare an empty stomach, and follow the fireworks. After all, no self-respecting traveler can say no to a good time—or a bowl of dumplings.
Happy Lunar New Year, globetrotters!
May your travels be rich, your memories golden, and your happiness as limitless as the stars in the sky.
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