As the most important and widely celebrated holiday in China, the Spring Festival symbolizes the Chinese people's hopes for a better life, strong ties to family and country, and the values of harmony between humans and nature.
Now being recognized globally, the Spring Festival was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024.
Featuring a variety of traditional rituals, including prayers for good fortune and family reunions, the Spring Festival also includes activities planned by the elders and festive public events organized by communities.
According to UNESCO documentation, traditional knowledge and customs associated with the Spring Festival are passed on informally within families and communities, as well as formally through the education system. Meanwhile, craftsmanship and artistic skills associated with the festival are passed on through apprenticeships, promoting family values, social cohesion and peace, while providing a sense of cultural identity.
Why is it called the Spring Festival?
According to the traditional Chinese solar calendar, the year is divided into 24 solar terms. During the first solar term (known as the "beginning of spring"), the Sun takes its position in the celestial longitude that begins the gradual warming of the year. It's halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
On the Gregorian calendar, the "beginning of spring" begins between January 21 and February 20, when the Spring Festival typically takes place.
Chinese New Year traditions and celebrations
Regional customs and traditions vary widely, but share the same theme: bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the good fortune and prosperity of a new one. Major Chinese New Year activities include:
※Hanging decorations,
※Making offerings to ancestors,
※Eating and reuniting with family on New Year's Eve,
※Giving red envelopes with cash and other gifts,
※Watching fireworks displays,
※Cheering during lion and loong dances.
2025 Chinese zodiac animal: Snake
The Chinese zodiac is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year being represented by an animal and its reputed attributes. In order, the 12 Chinese zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Loong, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
The 2025 Chinese zodiac animal is the Snake. The Snake is a cautious, introverted observer, cool and mysterious in behavior owing to its suspicious and insecure nature, yet its armor conceals abundant sensitivity, wisdom and passion that will surely surprise their few confidants.
The general consensus is that the Chinese zodiac originally had something to do with the worship of animals. This tradition has already existed in Chinese culture since the Qin Dynasty, more than 2,000 years ago.
Over time, the Chinese zodiac became more and more integrated into everyday life, with different meanings and characteristics assigned to each animal. It is said that they may have something to do with your fortune, marriage and career decisions.