Lunar New Year vs Chinese New Year: Is There a Big Difference?

Maybe you’ve never been to a Lantern Festival in China, but you have seen the vibrant photos of this festival, which dates back to BC 206… the ones with the rich reds and golds, the gorgeous intricate designs and symbols. The Lantern Festival is the culmination of festivities known as the Lunar New Year or the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival. These terms are often used interchangeably, but only in China are the three terms referring to the same thing.

In China, the Chinese New Year specifically refers to the celebration of the new year based on the lunar calendar. Lunar New Year refers to the celebration of the lunar calendar in various other East Asia countries.

Both are grand celebrations that include traditional customs, symbols, festivities, foods, dances, performances, and gifts. The specific traditions and practices vary between countries and regions. The countries that celebrate Lunar New Year include China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam (known as Tet), South Korea (known as Seollal), and North Korea. Each country has its own unique traditions and customs surrounding the celebration.

This is how you say, “Happy New Year” in Chinese, “xīn nián kuài lè.” And this is how you write Happy New Year in Chinese, 新年快乐.

When is the Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year dates vary every year, as it is based on the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year 2023 will begin on Sunday, January 22. It is a 16-day celebration, with the first seven days marked as a public holiday. Chinese New Year 2024 will begin on Saturday, February 10. Chinese New Year 2025 will begin on Wednesday, January 29.

We also know Chinese New Year as the Spring Festival. It is the most important holiday in China. It is a time for families to come together, for decorating homes, for exchanging gifts and well wishes, and for making declarations of good luck and happiness.

One of the most iconic symbols of the Chinese New Year is the zodiac animals. The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle, with each year being represented by a different animal. The order of the 12 Chinese New Year animals is: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Twenty-twenty-two was the year of the tiger, and this year, 2023, is the Year of the Rabbit. Twenty-twenty-four will be the Year of the Dragon, and the year 2025 will be the Year of the Snake.

The Lunar New Year is a wonderful time for many traditional celebrations, including parades, lion and dragon dances, lantern festivals, and meaningful family time. And just like in other countries, the new year is also a time to reflect on the previous year and set goals for the upcoming one. The color red is prominent, as it symbolizes prosperity, good luck, celebration, and vitality.

Chinese New Year wishes in English can include phrases such as “happy new year”, “best wishes for the new year”, and “may the new year bring you happiness and prosperity”.

In French, Chinese New Year is called “Le Nouvel An Chinois” or “Le Nouvel An Lunaire”.

So, whether you’re in China or another country celebrating the Lunar New Year, be sure to say “xīn nián kuài lè” (新年快乐) and enjoy all the family, fun, and festivities.