The Year of the Snake commenced on January 29, ushering in Lunar New Year celebrations across Asia and beyond, with more than a billion people participating in rituals and festivities. The festivities even extended to space, where Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze sent New Year's Eve greetings from the Tiangong space station on Tuesday. In a video released by the China Manned Space Agency, the astronauts were seen dressed in blue jumpsuits with traditional red cloud patterns, holding paper-cuttings featuring the Chinese character 福 (fu), a symbol of good luck.
Forbes reported that the Lunar New Year, known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam, and Seollal in Korea, is the most important festival in many Asian countries. It is celebrated with customs such as giving red envelopes and sharing auspicious meals to strengthen family ties. Traditional celebrations include family reunions, feasting, rituals for prosperity, honoring ancestors, and attending temple fairs.
In Beijing, families gathered for New Year's Eve feasts, marking the start of formal celebrations with a family reunion. Some residents visited temple fairs, such as the one at Ditan Park, where they rang bells, tossed coins for good luck, enjoyed traditional snacks, and took photos with representations of the God of Wealth. "I bring my children here to experience the atmosphere, because the New Year atmosphere is fading," said Wang Xinxin, a Beijing resident at the temple fair, according to Naharnet. "Children like mine don't have much idea what New Year was like in Beijing before, but here we can still see some elements of it," she added.
CNN reported that train stations and airports across China witnessed congestion in recent days as hundreds of millions of people returned to their hometowns to spend the holidays with their loved ones, causing travel delays.
In South Korea, heavy snowfall this week disrupted the movement of trains, airplanes, and buses, causing delays as people returned to their families during the holiday. Footage published by South Korean media showed vehicles covered in snow stuck on main roads across the country. Incheon International Airport stated that about 2.14 million passengers, averaging approximately 214,000 daily, are expected to use international flights between January 24 and February 2. "This is projected to be the highest average daily passenger count during the Lunar New Year holiday since the airport opened," the airport operator stated.
In Hong Kong, devotees gathered at the Wong Tai Sin Temple to offer incense and prayers, seeking blessings for the year ahead, with many eager to be among the first to release incense before midnight. "I wish my family will be blessed. I hope my business will run well. I pray for my country and wish people peace. I hope this coming year is a better year," said Ming So, a devotee who visits the temple annually for the late-night ritual, according to Naharnet.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, witnessed lion dances accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums and small cymbals, with crowds also taking to the streets in Manila and Jakarta to watch similar performances, according to Travel And Tour World. The sound of firecrackers greeted the new year outside Guan Di temple in Kuala Lumpur, marking the celebrations and featuring vibrant lion dances reflecting the city's rich multicultural heritage.
In Moscow, a colorful procession featuring drummers, costumed dancers, and large dragon and snake figures marked the beginning of a 10-day Lunar New Year festival, reflecting the global appreciation for this cultural event. "Visitors in Moscow expressed delight at being able to experience Chinese food and culture, including folk performances and booths selling snacks and artwork," reported Fast Company.
In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is considered the most tenacious of the 12 zodiac animals. Those born under this sign are believed to be resilient, courageous, and possess strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities.
Common customs during the Lunar New Year include thorough home cleaning, or "Chunqing", to drive away bad luck and usher in good luck for the coming year. Giving red envelopes ("Hongbao") during the Lunar New Year strengthens family ties and enhances the spirit of the celebration. Traditionally, the money is placed in red envelopes, but thanks to modern technology, it is also transferred directly via smartphones, Forbes reported.
The Economic Times reported that traditional holiday foods include sweet and sour pork, shrimp, dumplings, spring rolls, tangerines, and whole fish.
Cuba's small Chinese community marked the Lunar New Year with a parade of glowing lanterns and dragon dances winding through the narrow streets of Chinatown, blending traditional Chinese customs with local Cuban elements.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.