Lunar Calendars Worldwide, Cultural Significance and Modern Adaptations This article is an overview of how lunar or lunisolar calendars are used in different countries and cultures around the world. While most nations today rely on the Gregorian (solar) calendar for official business, many still observe lunar-based or lunisolar calendars for Continue Reading
As the Year of the Snake begins on January 29, 2025, families across Asia gather to honor age-old traditions and welcome good fortune. While China and Taiwan share many of the foundational customs associated with the Lunar New Year, each region’s celebrations carry unique distinctions—shaped by different cultural emphases, religious Continue Reading
Tradition Meets Vibrant City Life Celebrating the Lunar New Year in Taipei offers a window into Taiwan’s rich tapestry of traditions and modern innovations. While the city’s skyscrapers and bustling nightlife might suggest a thoroughly contemporary scene, Taipei’s Lunar New Year festivities preserve age-old customs—providing a dynamic contrast that captivates Continue Reading
Fusing Tradition with Urban Charm Though Japan celebrates the official New Year on January 1, pockets of Lunar New Year festivities can still be found in some of the country’s major cities, including Osaka. Known for its culinary scene, lively entertainment districts, and warm hospitality, Osaka brings its own distinct Continue Reading
While Japan officially celebrates the New Year on January 1, the Lunar New Year still finds a home in Tokyo, thanks to the city’s diverse international communities and its residents’ growing curiosity about multicultural traditions. In 2025, the Year of the Snake, Tokyo’s neighborhoods and event spaces offer a variety Continue Reading
Fireworks, Folk Traditions, and Renewed Hope Overview When it comes to celebrating the Lunar New Year, both Hong Kong and Taiwan draw on deep cultural heritage to mark the arrival of the Year of the Snake. In Hong Kong, festivities often center around the iconic city skyline and harbor, while Continue Reading
Time-Honored Traditions Meet Modern Realities Overview In South Korea, the Lunar New Year, known as Seollal, is one of the most significant cultural events of the year. Marking the transition to the Year of the Snake, this holiday is deeply rooted in ancestral reverence, family reunions, and cultural traditions. Despite Continue Reading
Multicultural Festivities and Communal Spirit Overview In Malaysia and Singapore, the Lunar New Year is more than just a holiday reserved for the Chinese community—it’s a national celebration that unites people of different backgrounds and faiths. While many customs mirror those in other parts of Asia (e.g., lion dances and Continue Reading
The Year of the Snake Blooms with Peach Blossoms and Sticky Rice Cakes Overview In Vietnam, Lunar New Year—known locally as Tết—is a time of vibrant transformation. As the country ushers in the Year of the Snake, each region celebrates with its own unique blend of floral displays, traditional foods, Continue Reading
Family, Fireworks, and Economic Realities in the Year of the Snake Overview China’s Lunar New Year—often referred to as the Spring Festival—remains the country’s most celebrated and culturally significant holiday. Falling in the Year of the Snake for 2025, the festival period (running roughly from Chinese New Year’s Eve through Continue Reading