As the Year of the Snake begins, over a billion people partake in varied and rich celebrations of the Lunar New Year, filled with fireworks, family feasts, and ancestral honorings.
Lunar New Year Celebrations Ignite Across the Globe
Lunar New Year Celebrations Ignite Across the Globe
Festivities for the Year of the Snake are embraced with vibrant traditions and family gatherings around the world.
More than a billion people worldwide, spanning from Asia to diaspora communities, are ushering in the Year of the Snake with joyful festivities. Celebrated on Tuesday, the arrival of the lunar new year is marked by colorful fireworks, family time, and communal feasts. As the first new moon of the year illuminates January 29, many are excitedly awaiting the warmth of spring.
This festive occasion, known as Seollal in South Korea and Tet in Vietnam, is the most significant holiday for numerous Asian countries. It often triggers the world's largest annual migration, as hundreds of millions journey home to their hometowns despite the challenges posed by crowded roads and transport hubs.
While traditions may differ from country to country, commonality abounds in the themes of family togetherness, rituals aimed at ensuring prosperity, and the tribute to ancestors. Many families congregate at temples, offering traditional foods and lighting incense at altars to pay their respects.
In China's celebration, it is customary for children to receive red envelopes filled with lucky money from their relatives. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia springs to life with dragon dances that bless streets—and occasionally water—with hopes for good fortune and ample rain.
Here’s a glimpse of the farewell to the Year of the Dragon and the vibrant welcome of the Year of the Snake:
Image showcasing performers igniting sparks with molten steel at a lantern festival in Nantong, Jiangsu province, China, and worshippers gathering in Bangkok to observe the Lunar New Year eve.
This festive occasion, known as Seollal in South Korea and Tet in Vietnam, is the most significant holiday for numerous Asian countries. It often triggers the world's largest annual migration, as hundreds of millions journey home to their hometowns despite the challenges posed by crowded roads and transport hubs.
While traditions may differ from country to country, commonality abounds in the themes of family togetherness, rituals aimed at ensuring prosperity, and the tribute to ancestors. Many families congregate at temples, offering traditional foods and lighting incense at altars to pay their respects.
In China's celebration, it is customary for children to receive red envelopes filled with lucky money from their relatives. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia springs to life with dragon dances that bless streets—and occasionally water—with hopes for good fortune and ample rain.
Here’s a glimpse of the farewell to the Year of the Dragon and the vibrant welcome of the Year of the Snake:
Image showcasing performers igniting sparks with molten steel at a lantern festival in Nantong, Jiangsu province, China, and worshippers gathering in Bangkok to observe the Lunar New Year eve.
