BEIJING — The sounds of firecrackers filled the air, incense wafted from temples, and lively dancers and drummers took to the streets as millions across Asia and beyond marked the arrival of the Lunar New Year on Wednesday.
This festival, celebrated under various names such as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam, and Seollal in Korea, heralds the beginning of the Year of the Snake, one of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac.
In Beijing, large crowds, bundled in heavy jackets against the chill, gathered at a temple fair in a park under sunny skies. Many attendees rang bells and tossed coins into gold bar-shaped containers in search of good fortune, while others indulged in traditional snacks from food stalls and snapped photos with a performer personifying the God of Wealth.
The Lunar New Year embodies good wishes for luck and prosperity for the upcoming year, both for oneself and for others.
“I had a hectic year juggling work and caring for my child,” shared Beijing local Jiang Hecang. “For the Year of the Snake, I wish for my child’s health and stability in my job so that I can find happiness.”
Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the Lunar New Year was ushered in with the thunderous sound of firecrackers at the Guan Di temple in Kuala Lumpur. This was followed by lively lion dances performed to the infectious rhythms of drums and cymbals.
At the temple, ethnic Chinese attendees held incense sticks as they bowed multiple times, placing the sticks into ornate golden pots to let the fragrant smoke fill the air.
This eagerness to connect with traditions was evident at the Wong Tai Sin Taoist temple in Hong Kong, where hundreds lined up before midnight to offer their incense, praying for blessings for their families and businesses. “I sincerely hope this year will bring peace and prosperity for all,” stated Ming So, who makes this trip annually.
Google embraced the festive spirit, marking the day with a nostalgic snake game on its homepage.
During this eight-day national holiday, many Chinese in metropolitan areas travel home, creating what is often regarded as the largest annual human migration globally. This movement transforms bustling Beijing into a quieter city, as shops close and typically crowded transport systems see lower ridership.
On New Year’s Eve, it is customary for Chinese families to gather for a celebratory meal at home. The following day, many flock to temples to pray and enjoy temple fairs, which feature various performances alongside food and toy stalls.
“I bring my children here to capture the celebratory spirit, as the New Year atmosphere seems to be dwindling,” commented Beijing resident Wang Xinxin during her visit to a temple fair at Ditan Park, historically known as the Temple of Earth from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Wang further expressed concern that her children lack the context of what previous New Year celebrations in Beijing were like, highlighting the importance of this exposure to cultural heritage.
The Chinese government has since limited unofficial festivities, banning the loud firecrackers that once filled the streets and blurred visibility with smoke.
Many individuals take advantage of the extended holiday period to travel both domestically and internationally. Trip.com, an online travel agency, noted that popular overseas destinations this year include Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, the United States, South Korea, Macao, and Vietnam.
In Moscow, celebrations included a grand parade with drummers, dancers in elaborate costumes, and symbolic dragon and snake figures, marking the start of a ten-day Lunar New Year festival.
The strengthened relationship between the Chinese and Russian governments, evolving since 2022, has led to increased cultural exchanges, with visitors relishing the chance to experience Chinese food, culture, and entertainment in Russia.
On Tuesday, Cuba’s smaller Chinese community celebrated the Lunar New Year with a lantern and dragon parade through the refined alleyways of Chinatown, illustrating the blend of traditions unique to the region.
Although the Chinese community in Cuba has diminished over the years, their celebrations maintain a distinctive Cuban flavor, marrying traditional Chinese customs with local elements such as rum and cigars.
