Some Say Chinese New Year, Some Say Lunar New Year—But Here’s the Truth
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There’s a great debate about how to refer to “Chinese New Year” or “Lunar New Year,” because neither are quite right. The truth is, families across Asia celebrate this holiday, and each country has its own cool traditions. From dumplings in China to rice cakes in Korea and kumquat trees in Vietnam, there’s something special for everyone.
And technically speaking, it's a lunisolar calendar that's followed; but "Happy Lunisolar New Year" may be too much of a mouthful to say!
Wherever and however you celebrate though, this New Year celebration is packed with vibrant colors, delicious treats, and fun activities for everyone. In this blog, we’ll dive into how it’s celebrated across Asia—and how NIHAO Chinese is throwing a family-friendly bash you won’t want to miss!
How Different Countries Celebrate the New Year
China: Fireworks, Feasts, and Family Fun
In China, Lunar New Year—called Chūn Jié (春节) or Spring Festival—lasts 15 whole days! It’s basically one big family reunion, starting with a massive feast on New Year’s Evel. Think dumplings for wealth, fish for abundance, and spring rolls for good luck.
The skies light up with fireworks while the streets come alive with lion and dragon dances, all meant to scare away bad vibes and welcome good fortune. Kids' favorite part? Red envelopes (hóngbāo) filled with lucky money—what’s not to love?
The festivities then come to a close with the Lantern Festival
Vietnam (Tết): Blossoms, Traditions, and Tasty Treats
Vietnam’s Tết Nguyên Đán is all about fresh starts and honoring ancestors. Homes are decked out with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and apricot flowers—basically, a floral explosion of good vibes.
Families whip up traditional dishes like Bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes) and visit temples to pray for a year of happiness and success. Kids, of course, love the lì xì—red envelopes packed with good luck (and cash). It’s a beautiful mix of heartfelt traditions and family bonding.
Korea (Seollal): Soup, Games, and Respect
Korea’s Seollal is a family-centered celebration with deep roots in tradition. It’s all about showing respect to elders through a bow called sebae, which also earns kids their own lucky money (Sebaetdon).
Families gather to eat tteokguk (rice cake soup), a dish that’s said to bring you a fresh start—and officially make you a year older! Afterward, everyone plays folk games like yutnori (a fun board game) or flies kites. It’s a time for connection, reflection, and plenty of laughs.
Other Countries: Unique Spins on Lunar New Year
Singapore and Malaysia: Families toss a giant, colorful salad called Yusheng while shouting wishes for prosperity. The higher the toss, the better the luck—though the messier it gets!
Philippines: It’s all about round fruits (symbolizing wealth), festive feasts, and energetic dragon dances. Families love decorating with red and gold for good fortune.
Thailand and Indonesia: In places with Chinese communities, the streets are decked out with red lanterns, and there are plenty of temple visits, lion dances, and, of course, red envelopes for the kids.
No matter where or how it’s celebrated, Lunar New Year is about family, fresh starts, and fun—a time to connect with loved ones and share the joy of a new beginning.
Lunar New Year Superstitions and Traditions
Lunar New Year isn’t just about big feasts and exciting parades—there are also lots of fun (and sometimes quirky!) superstitions and traditions that people follow for good luck and happiness in the year ahead. Here are a few you might find interesting:
Cleaning Before, but NOT After
Before New Year’s Day, it’s common to do a thorough spring cleaning to sweep away the bad luck from the previous year. But here’s the catch: Don’t clean on New Year’s Day! It’s believed that cleaning on the first day of the new year will sweep away your good luck. So, make sure everything’s neat and tidy the day before!
No Cutting or Haircuts
Another superstition to keep in mind: Don’t cut your hair or nails on New Year’s Day. In many cultures, it’s thought that cutting your hair could "cut off" your good fortune for the year. Plus, it’s believed that starting the year fresh with a clean, neat appearance is important for setting the right tone.
Lucky Foods for a Lucky Year
It’s no surprise that food plays a huge part in the celebrations. But did you know that certain foods are considered lucky because of what they represent? For example:
Dumplings in China symbolize wealth because their shape resembles gold ingots.
Noodles symbolize longevity, so you want to eat them without breaking them.
Fish is served for abundance, as the word for fish in Chinese sounds like “surplus.”
Round fruits are popular in the Philippines and Singapore because their shape represents completeness and wealth.
Red is the Color of Luck
Red is a big deal when it comes to Lunar New Year. From clothes to decorations, the color symbolizes happiness, good fortune, and joy. That’s why you’ll see so much red everywhere—from red envelopes filled with lucky money to lanterns, and even clothing worn by celebrants.
Avoiding Negative Words
It’s also considered bad luck to use words associated with death, illness, or negativity during the New Year celebrations. This means avoiding words like "death," "sick," or even “four” (because the word for four sounds like the word for death in Chinese). You want to keep things positive and full of hope for the year ahead!
First Visitor of the Year
In many cultures, the first person to enter your home on New Year's Day is considered very important! Some families believe that having a lucky person visit first will bring good fortune for the rest of the year. So, sometimes people even plan ahead for who that first visitor will be! It’s all about starting the year with the right energy.
These superstitions and traditions add to the fun and excitement of Lunar New Year celebrations, and while they may seem a little unusual, they’re a great way to connect with culture, family, and the spirit of new beginnings!
Why Lunar New Year is a Time for Families to Celebrate Together
Lunar New Year isn’t just a holiday—it’s an opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. From the vibrant colors of lanterns and traditional outfits to the mouthwatering flavors of festive foods, the holiday is a celebration of togetherness, renewal, and joy. Families come together to share meals, honor traditions, and embrace the hope and good fortune a new year brings.
If you’ve ever wondered how to bring that sense of connection and excitement to your own family, we’ve got you covered. NIHAO Chinese is hosting a celebration filled with activities, performances, and fun designed to bring people of all ages together—whether you're continuing old traditions or starting new ones!
Join the Fun at NIHAO Chinese’s Lunar New Year Festival!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 25, 2025, and get ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon in the most exciting way possible. From 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM at our Torrance headquarters, we’re throwing a party that’s perfect for kids, parents, and everyone in between.
🎉 Outdoor Fun
Watch dazzling performances by our three preschools and three afterschools—your little ones might even recognize some familiar faces on stage!
Cheer on the grand finale: a thrilling lion dance performed by professionals. (Get those cameras ready!)
🍴 Food, Drinks & Booths
Grab snacks and drinks from booths featuring local favorites like Panda Express and Yifang Tea.
Shop for cool merch while munching on goodies.
🏫 Indoor Adventures
Each classroom transforms into an activity zone with student-led games your kids will love.
Explore hands-on fun like crafts, challenges, and more—think of it as a mini-adventure for your little explorers.
🍦 Rolled Ice Cream Demos
Watch a live demo of how rolled ice cream is made (it’s mesmerizing, trust us).
Enjoy free samples if your family buys 50 or more tickets—yum!
Don’t Miss Out—Get Your Tickets Now!
Tickets are available in advance and can be used for food, activities, and more. Whether you’re coming for the food, the fun, or just to see your kids’ faces light up, this is one Lunar New Year celebration you won’t want to miss.
So grab your red outfits, tell the kids to practice their "gong xi fa cai," and join us for a day of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Happy New Year from all of us at NIHAO Chinese! 🐉
We’ll see you on January 25th!
