Chinese New Year 2025: Year of Snake

Chinese New Year has commenced on 29 Jan and this is the most important day for traditional Chinese people on their calendar. Sometimes called the Spring Festival, this is the day that marks the first day of the year according to their calendar based on the cycle on the moon.

The day of Lunar New Year varies a lot but this year it is on January 29. People usually celebrate for 15 days and this year the celebrations revolve around the Snake. This is a symbol used in Chinese astrology.

The main thing to remember about Chinese New Year is the family. The Bible and other religions also teach about the importance of the family the the foundational unit God made for us on earth. Chinese prepare to eat special foods and receive gifts for these days of celebrations. Some of the foods are symbols such as dumplings which are a symbol for good luck. Wine is usually offered but, can be declined politely for religious or other reasons.

The giving of red envelopes containing money by elders to the younger is very common. The red is a symbol of good luck. This year they celebrate the snake because Chinese have 12 symbols of astrology which represent 12 animals.

Chinese also make use of this time to celebrate at Buddhist temples where they offer devotions. But, this is not mandatory and people such as Chinese Christians are able to celebrate this day without involving worship of traditional deities, rather giving praise to God in a Christian manner. But, this is a wonderful day for all people of all religions to celebrate the New Year in their own ways according to their own faiths. Thanks be to God in Jesus for the New Year!