Chinese language New 12 months 2025. Credit score: Shutterstock, wasanajai
Wednesday, January 29, 2025, marks the Chinese language New 12 months, also called the Lunar New 12 months or Spring Competition.
Right here’s the whole lot you have to find out about this vibrant festivity, together with its traditions, zodiac connections, and world celebrations.
Chinese language New 12 months is rooted within the lunisolar calendar, which relies on the moon’s phases and the Earth’s orbit across the solar. In contrast to the Gregorian calendar, the beginning date of Chinese language New 12 months varies annually, sometimes falling between late January and mid-February.
The festivities final 15 days, ending within the Lantern Competition on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in the course of the full “Snow Moon.” Whereas Chinese language New 12 months is primarily celebrated in China, different nations akin to Vietnam, South Korea, and Tibet additionally maintain their very own distinctive variations of this vacation.
Chinese language New 12 months 2025: 12 months of the Wooden Snake
The Chinese language zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with annually represented by an animal. Final 12 months was the 12 months of the Dragon, and this 12 months welcomes the Snake, the sixth animal within the zodiac. Including to its uniqueness, 2025 is particularly the 12 months of the Wooden Snake, a mix that happens solely as soon as each 60 years.
The Snake is usually related to traits like knowledge, instinct, and attraction, whereas the wooden aspect provides a layer of creativity and adaptableness. For those who have been born in a 12 months of the Snake (e.g., 1965, 1977, 1989 (my 12 months!), 2001, or 2013), this 12 months may maintain particular significance for you.
How the Chinese language New 12 months is widely known
In China, New 12 months celebrations contain household reunions, extravagant feasts, and cultural performances. One notably distinctive custom is having fun with snake soup, a delicacy believed to heat the physique throughout winter. I’ll move, thanks!
In Hong Kong, conventional snake soup eating places like Shia Wong Hip proceed to maintain this culinary artwork alive. The soup, produced from shredded snake meat, rooster, and pork bones, is alleged to be wealthy in protein and an ideal dish for the colder months.
In Indonesia, New 12 months festivities have already begun, with crowds gathering to observe puppet reveals. As a part of the custom, pink envelopes full of cash are positioned into the puppet’s mouth.
Find out how to discover your Chinese language zodiac animal
| Zodiac Animal | Years | Key Traits |
| Rat | 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 | Fast-witted, resourceful, variety |
| Ox | 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 | Diligent, reliable, sturdy, decided |
| Tiger | 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 | Courageous, assured, aggressive, unpredictable |
| Rabbit | 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 | Quiet, elegant, variety, accountable |
| Dragon | 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 | Assured, clever, enthusiastic |
| Snake | 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 | Clever, clever, enigmatic |
| Horse | 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 | Animated, energetic, energetic |
| Goat | 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 | Calm, mild, sympathetic |
| Monkey | 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 | Sharp, good, curious |
| Rooster | 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 | Observant, hardworking, brave |
| Canine | 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 | Beautiful, sincere, prudent |
| Pig | 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 | Compassionate, beneficiant, diligent |
Fascinating Chinese language zodiac information
The Chinese language zodiac is related to Jupiter’s orbit, because the planet takes roughly 12 years to circle the solar. In 2025, Jupiter will spend many of the 12 months within the constellation Taurus, which aligns with the 12 months of the Snake.
Every zodiac signal rotates by way of 5 components (wooden, hearth, earth, metallic, water), forming a singular 60-year cycle. The final 12 months of the Wooden Snake was in 1965.
Find out how to say Blissful New 12 months in Chinese language
Wish to impress your pals? Right here’s the best way to want somebody a cheerful new 12 months:
- Mandarin: 春节快乐 (Chūn Jié Kuài Lè) – “Blissful Spring Competition”
- Cantonese: 恭喜发财 (Gong Hei Fats Choi) – “Might you be completely satisfied and affluent”
View all articles by Letara Draghia.