When is chinese new year 2025：Year of the Snake

The timing of the Chinese Spring Festival has always been a topic of discussion, as it is the most grand and important holiday for Chinese people. When is Chinese New Year 2025: Year of the Snake? Let’s take a look at the details about When is chinese new year 2025!

1. Introduction to the Chinese Spring Festival

The Spring Festival in 2025 will begin on January 29, which is the first day of the lunar new year (Lunar Calendar: January 1, 2025, Wednesday). The Spring Festival is one of the most grand and characteristic traditional holidays in China. It generally refers to the New Year’s Eve and the first day of the lunar new year, which is the first day of the year. It is also known as the “Yin Calendar Year” and commonly called “Guo Nian” (celebrating the New Year). The celebrations begin with the Laba Festival or Little New Year and last until the Lantern Festival.

2. Chinese Zodiac for 2025

2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake (乙巳年). The Spring Festival will be on January 29, 2025, which is the first day of the lunar year. The beginning of Spring will be on February 3, 2025. According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2025 is the 42nd year of the 60-year cycle, known as “Yi Si” (乙巳), where “Yi” represents Yin Wood and “Si” represents the Snake, a symbol of transformation and growth. Therefore, 2025 is also known as the “Year of the Green Snake,” symbolizing renewal, change, and growth.

The lunar year in 2025 will last for 384 days, with 13 lunar months, including two lunar months of June, leading some to believe it will be a prosperous year.

3. Origin of the Chinese Spring Festival

The Spring Festival has a long history, originating from early human beliefs and nature worship. It evolved from the ancient practice of year-end rituals, which were primitive religious ceremonies performed at the start of the year to pray for a good harvest and the prosperity of livestock and people. Over time, these rituals transformed into various celebratory activities, ultimately forming the Spring Festival as we know it today.

4. Customs of the Chinese Spring Festival

During the Spring Festival, Han Chinese and many other ethnic groups across China participate in various activities to celebrate. These activities revolve around honoring ancestors, showing respect to the elderly, offering thanks and blessings, family reunions, renewing the old and welcoming the new, and praying for a good harvest in the coming year. The customs are rich in ethnic characteristics.

Common practices during the Spring Festival include:

-Preparing New Year’s Goods (年货)

One of the essential activities for Chinese people before the Spring Festival is buying New Year’s goods. This includes food, clothing, accessories, decorations, and gifts.

-Worshipping the Kitchen God (祭灶)

On the 23rd or 24th of the twelfth lunar month, families honor the Kitchen God, who is believed to oversee the household’s food and well-being.

-Cleaning (扫尘)

The custom of “sweeping the dust” or “sweeping the house” on the 24th of the twelfth lunar month symbolizes getting rid of bad luck and making room for a fresh start.

-Pastings Red Decorations (贴年红)

Families decorate their homes with red decorations like couplets, door gods, and the character “福” (Fu) to bring good fortune and happiness.

-Reunion Dinner (吃年夜饭)

The reunion dinner is a highlight of the Spring Festival, where family members gather for a large meal, often including symbolic foods like fish (for surplus), chicken (for good plans), and vegetables like lotus root (for intelligence).

-Staying Up Late on New Year’s Eve (守岁)

Families stay up late to greet the new year, with the tradition of lighting candles or lamps to ward off evil spirits and ensure prosperity.

-Giving Red Envelopes (压岁钱)

Elders give red envelopes containing money to children to symbolize warding off evil spirits and ensuring safety and health for the coming year.

-Slaughtering the New Year’s Meat (割年肉)

This refers to the tradition of preparing meat for the New Year’s feast, often by slaughtering pigs or purchasing meat from markets.

-God Procession (游神)

This custom involves taking deities from temples in a procession around the community to bless the people and drive away misfortune.

-Visiting Relatives and Friends (拜年)

During the Spring Festival, it is customary to visit relatives and friends, exchanging greetings and well-wishes for the new year.

-Temple Fairs (庙会)

Temple fairs, such as the ones in Guangzhou and Beijing, showcase traditional performances, prayers, and cultural activities during the Spring Festival.

-Setting off Firecrackers (烧炮竹)

The tradition of setting off firecrackers to drive away evil spirits and celebrate the arrival of the new year is a well-loved part of the Spring Festiv

5. Chinese New Year Holidays

2025 Chinese New Year Holidays: January 28 (Lunar New Year’s Eve, Tuesday) to February 4 (Lunar New Year’s Day, Tuesday), a total of 8 days. Work on January 26 (Sunday) and February 8 (Saturday).