Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, and is a celebration among two billion people across the world, according to the Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition. This year it falls on January 29th, and 2025 signals the year of the snake.
The animal zodiacs are reminiscent of American zodiac signs which depend on the year you’re born. They go as follows: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
They’re all in specific order and the reason is due to a legend. A race was held across a great river and the order of the animals was based on who finished first.
Celebrations include fireworks, family banquets, decorations, red clothes, and red envelopes of money.
Usually, young people are given red envelopes from their elders. The abundance of red and money signifies good wishes and luck for the coming year.
WJPS 12th grader Preston Ng said, “I like celebrating Chinese New Year since I get to see family that live far away as well as receive cash.”
WJPS 12th grader Erica Lin said, “I like to visit Chinatown on Chinese New Year to see the parade and pretty decorations.”
“Chinese New Year 2009” by lydia_shiningbrightly is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
