Summary
Not all New Year's celebrations take place on January 1. For billions of people around the world, Lunar New Year festivities begin anywhere between January 21 and February 20—and can last up to two weeks. It's the most important holiday of the year in China, Korea, Vietnam, and many other East Asian countries. You’ll also see festivities in cities where there are large populations with roots in those places. People travel from far and wide to return home and spend time with family. Lunar New Year traditions vary from country to country, but often involve similar themes. There are rituals to start the new year with a clean slate, such as sweeping your home and getting new clothes and haircuts. Many celebrants eat lucky foods for prosperity and put up decorations to attract good luck. And most traditions include a big family feast on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. In some places, the festivities eventually move from private homes to public streets with firecrackers, elaborate lion dances, dragon-filled parades, and a spectacular lantern festival. Ready to ring in the new year, lunar-style? Click "play" to learn more!
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Lunar New Year:
- What is one new thing you learned about lunar new year?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining lunar new year.
- Draw or give one example of your own.