Wednesday marks the the first day of the Chinese New Year ... or, the year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac. The Year of the Snake began on Jan. 29, 2025, and will last until Feb. 16, 2026.
The Year of the Snake is celebrated by those who observe the Chinese Zodiac, which is a part of Chinese culture and traditions. The Chinese Zodiac is a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with a different animal sign. The Year of the Snake falls every 12 years, with the most recent years being 2013 and 2025.
Apart from China, many other countries and regions with significant Chinese communities or cultural influences also celebrate the Chinese Zodiac, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and parts of Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, and Japan.
During the celebrations, people born in the Year of the Snake (such as those born in 2001, 2013, 2025, etc.) are believed to have certain personality traits associated with the Snake, like wisdom, intuition, and elegance. It's also a time for traditional festivities, family reunions, special foods, and cultural activities.
Celebrating the Chinese Zodiac New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is filled with vibrant traditions and customs. Here are some of the key ways people celebrate:
Pre-New Year Preparations
Cleaning the House: It's believed that cleaning the house before the New Year sweeps away bad luck and makes space for good luck to enter.
Decorations: Homes are decorated with red lanterns, couplets, paper cuttings, and other auspicious symbols. Red is the dominant color as it symbolizes good fortune and joy.
New Year's Eve
Reunion Dinner: Families come together for a lavish dinner. This meal often includes dishes that symbolize prosperity, such as dumplings, fish, and sticky rice cakes.
Red Envelopes: Elders give red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money to children and unmarried adults, symbolizing the transfer of good fortune.
New Year's Day and Beyond
Fireworks and Lion Dance: Fireworks are set off to scare away evil spirits. Lion and dragon dances are performed in the streets to bring good luck and fortune.
Visiting Relatives and Friends: It's common to visit loved ones to exchange good wishes and gifts. Traditional foods are often shared.
Temple Visits: Many people visit temples to pray for good luck and make offerings to ancestors and deities.
Symbolic Foods
Dumplings: Resembling ancient Chinese money, they symbolize wealth.
Fish: The word for fish sounds like 'surplus,' so eating fish is believed to bring abundance.
Nian Gao (Rice Cake): This sticky dessert signifies a higher year, promoting success and growth.
Cultural Performances
Traditional Music and Dance: Performances featuring traditional instruments and folk dances are common.
Opera and Theater: Chinese opera performances that highlight legends and folklore are enjoyed by many.
Overall, the Chinese Zodiac New Year is a time of renewal, family bonding, and cultural celebration, where every tradition is imbued with meaning and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.
There are plenty of exciting ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the DFW area! Here are some highlights:
Kimbell Art Museum
- Guzheng Musical Performances: Enjoy traditional Chinese zither music at the Kimbell Art Museum on January 24th.
Asia Times Square, Grand Prairie
- Lion Dance and K-Pop Performances: Watch traditional lion dances every two hours and enjoy K-pop cover performances and multicultural fashion shows.
- Firecracker Show: Experience a firecracker show to scare away evil spirits.
Jeng Chi Restaurant, Richardson
- Lion Dance and Dumplings: Enjoy a meal at Jeng Chi Restaurant while watching a traditional lion dance.
NorthPark Center, Dallas
- Lion Dance and Crafts: Participate in a lion dance performance and engage in crafts like making paper snakes and lanterns.
Thrive, Lewisville
- Multigenerational Celebration: Join a day of crafts, food, and celebration at Thrive, the city's new recreation center.
Talon Culture Foundation Gala
- Stage-Production Show: Attend an elegant gala with world-class performance groups.
Galleria Dallas Lantern Festival
- Lantern Displays and Performances: Enjoy lantern displays, lion dances, and music at the Galleria Dallas from February 6-8.
Southlake Spring Festival
- Town Square Celebration: Celebrate with lion dances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities at Southlake Town Square on February 1.
These events offer a mix of traditional and modern celebrations, making it a great time to experience the cultural richness of the Lunar New Year.
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