The Lunar New Year is the most important social and economic holiday for billions of people around the world. The holiday is tied to the lunar-solar Chinese calendar and was originally observed as a time to honor household and heavenly deities and ancestors.

Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is an annual 15-day festival in China and Chinese communities around the world that begins with the New Moon, which occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. The party continues until the next full moon. Learn about the origins and traditions of the Lunar New Year Learn about the origins and traditions of the Lunar New Year Watch all the videos in this article The holiday is sometimes called lunar because the holidays follow the moon. Since the mid-1990s, the Chinese have had seven consecutive days off during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation is called Spring Festival, a term sometimes applied to the Chinese New Year in general. Britannica Quiz New Years: Fact or Fiction? The origin of Chinese New Year is full of legends. One legend says that thousands of years ago, villagers were attacked by a monster called Nian (“Year”) at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights and the color red, so they used to drive the animal away. Celebrations to celebrate the old year and bring good luck and prosperity to the new year therefore often include firecrackers, fireworks and red clothing and decorations. Young people receive money in colorful red envelopes. In addition, Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate and visit with family members. Many traditions of the season honor deceased relatives. Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival Chinese New Year traditions include a thorough cleaning of the home to save the resident from bad luck. Some people prepare and enjoy special foods on certain days during celebrations. The last event held during the Chinese New Year is called the Lantern Festival, during which glowing lanterns are hung in temples or carried during night parades. As the dragon is a Chinese symbol of good luck, the dragon dance highlights the celebration of festivals in many regions. This procession includes a long colorful dragon that many dancers carry through the streets. This article was last revised and updated by Adam Augusty

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