This year, 2026, the Lunar New Year falls on February 17th, marking the start of the Year of the Horse, known for energy and independence. Celebrations last around 16 days, ending with the Lantern Festival on March 3rd. It is celebrated by over a billion people, not just in China, but across Asia and globally.

Traditions
Houses are cleaned before the New Year to sweep away bad luck. Elders give red envelopes with money to children and unmarried relatives for good fortune. Fireworks are used to scare away evil spirits and monsters like the legendary Nian. The most important meal, symbolizing family unity, happens on Lunar New Year’s Eve. Fish symbolize abundance, long noodles symbolize longevity, dumplings symbolize wealth, oranges symbolize luck, and sticky rice balls symbolize unity, all of which are eaten in celebration of Lunar New Year.

History
Lunar new year started when the legend of the monster Nian, who terrorized villages in China only on new years eve, became scared of the color red, loud noises, and bright lights. Those fears established the traditions of fireworks and red decorations to scare away Nian that are now usually put up during Lunar New Year.