Chinese New Year: when will come, customs and prohibitions, accurate horoscope
One of the main traditional holidays - Lunar New Year - will come very soon in China. The inhabitants of the Celestial Empire will celebrate the arrival of 2025 for the second time, but already according to the Eastern calendar. It is customary to celebrate the Chinese New Year for more than two weeks. During this period, spectacular shows, dances and bright lantern festivals are held in the streets of the country's cities, and rich feasts with national dishes are arranged at home. For the Chinese, the holiday is a time for remembering the dead, praying to the gods and making wishes. According to the Chinese calendar, on the day of the holiday will begin the year of the Green Wood Snake, so it is important to celebrate it in certain colors that will help to attract good luck and prosperity in 2025. According to what traditions celebrate the Chinese New Year, what you can not do during the holiday and what interesting will present the year of the Snake to each sign of the zodiac - tell "Izvestia".
Chinese New Year - 2025: dates - when it comes, to what date
China is a country of contrasts, ancient culture and diversity of religions. This duality is also manifested in the systems of counting time. Modern China uses two calendars - the Gregorian calendar, by which most countries of the world, including Russia, live, and the solar-lunar, or Chinese calendar. The first is used to count the days of the year, and the second is used to determine the dates of traditional holidays, including Chinese New Year.
It is customary to begin the celebration on the second new moon, which comes after the day of the winter solstice on December 21. In the Gregorian calendar, this corresponds to one of the days between January 21 and February 21. In 2025, the celebration of the Chinese New Year will begin on January 29 and end on February 12. The coming year will last until February 16, 2026. However, according to the eastern calendar, which was established in ancient times by Emperor Qin Shi Huang-di, on the day of the celebration will come not 2025, but 4722 year.
Chinese New Year is traditionally considered the main and longest holiday in the PRC. Despite the fact that it falls in the winter months of January or February, the Chinese themselves call the celebration the Spring Festival, which sounds like "Chunjie" in Chinese. The inhabitants of the Celestial Empire believe that on this day nature begins its awakening.
According to ancient belief, each lunar year corresponds to one of the 12 sacred animals and their inherent properties. They can change under the influence of the five elements - earth, wood, fire, metal and water, as well as several colors - yellow, green, red, blue and white. These combinations are repeated only once every 60 years. The symbol of the Chinese New Year in 2025 will be the Snake, influenced by the element "wood", which corresponds to the green color.
Chinese New Year in 2025: how to celebrate in China, traditions and customs
Snake is considered in China a sacred animal that brings good luck. According to popular beliefs, the "master" of 2024 was the Green Wood Dragon, he was supposed to bring change to life, and his "changeling" Green Wood Snake continues this work, filling the year with favorable events. The tree symbolizes physical and spiritual growth, so luck and success will accompany confident people with noble goals. Green color represents renewal, rebirth, the beginning of a new life and a lot of interesting events, and the image of the snake is associated with wisdom and flexibility.
Preparations for New Year celebrations begin weeks in advance in China. One of the main stages is general cleaning and decoration of the house. The Chinese use the so-called tree of light - any street tree, which is decorated with garlands, flowers and lanterns on the eve of the holiday. Another traditional decoration is paired vertical panels made of red paper strips. Good wishes for the coming year are written on them in black or gold ink, after which the festive scrolls are placed on both sides of the entrance to the house, leaving them as an amulet until the next holiday. It is also customary to decorate houses with red lanterns on which hieroglyphics denoting happiness, luck, love and other good fortune are inscribed.
The tradition of using red color in holiday decorations appeared in China in ancient times. According to a folk legend, once on New Year's Eve a terrible monster named Nyan (which translates from Chinese as "year") appeared in one of the Chinese villages. The evil creature destroyed livestock and attacked people. The locals feared the monster and hid from it until a traveler came to the village and told them how to banish the monster. According to the foreigner, the huge strong monster was afraid of only one thing - bright colors and loud sounds.
Before the monster came again, the villagers decorated their houses with red paper and prepared a "sound trap" for him. When Nyan once again appeared to the people, he did not recognize the familiar surroundings: everywhere there were red decorations and the loud crackling of bamboo burning in the fire. The monster was confused, and when he saw the traveler dressed in red clothes, he was frightened, ran away and never came back. The tradition of using red color, launching bright fireworks and burning bamboo has been preserved in China to this day.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, China celebrates the Laba Festival, established several thousand years ago as a prelude to the Spring Festival. The festival is celebrated on the 8th day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar. In 2025, it falls on January 26. "Ba" means "eight" in Chinese and "La" is the name of the 12th month. On this day, memorial ceremonies are held: people pray to ancestors and ancient deities for good luck and a good harvest. The main dish of the celebration is Laba porridge, which consists of seven kinds of cereals, red beans and dates.
From January 29, it is the time of official celebrations in China. Everywhere there are noisy fairs where you can buy handmade toys and taste traditional dishes, folk festivals with dancing. Some of the most spectacular shows are the lion dance and the dragon dance. During them, performers climb into huge figures of these creatures and begin to imitate their movements, gradually moving through the streets so that everyone can see the mesmerizing performance.
On the first day of the Chinese New Year it is also customary to meet with relatives. Family and friends are invited to visit and give them gifts. One of the traditions of New Year's Eve says that on the day of the celebration it is important to "guard the year", that is, not to sleep until morning. It is believed that if you fall asleep on this night, you may miss your happiness and luck.
According to another eastern custom, on the day of the holiday you should ring the bell. The Chinese believe that loud ringing helps to keep the family out of trouble and attracts good luck. Also in the Chinese New Year it is customary to give loved ones red envelopes with any amount of money inside. It is believed that this ritual attracts prosperity and well-being in life.
Chinese New Year is a family holiday, so many Chinese on the eve of this date seek to return home to loved ones, even if they are far away. On the festive night, the Chinese gather at the New Year's table, which should be bursting with all kinds of treats. It is believed that a rich table attracts abundance in life. Jiaozi dumplings are a symbol of happiness and wealth. Another traditional New Year's dish is a dessert made of glutinous rice called "niangao". It is prepared in the form of a cake or cookie, sprinkled with sugar before serving. The dish is considered a symbol of the coming changes that are supposed to make life better in the new year. The festival also includes fried fish and poultry, yuebin - gingerbread filled with lotus seeds, long noodles of longevity, and mandarins and oranges to attract success and wealth.
On the fifteenth day of the New Year, the festival of paper lanterns starts, which are lit and sent into the sky. The custom of lighting lanterns in the streets is one of the oldest in China. When launching a lantern in Chinese tradition, it is important to make a wish and honor deceased family members.
The Year of the Green Snake: How to celebrate it
Since the symbol of the coming Chinese New Year is the Green Wood Snake, the most preferred colors for the meeting of 2025 are considered all shades of green, brown and beige. This palette can be oriented not only when choosing New Year's outfits, but also when decorating the interior.
Astrologers advise to celebrate the year of the Green Snake brightly and cheerfully. The house should be drowned in shiny decorations and garlands, be sure to include in the holiday program active entertainment, gifts and tasty treats. In the Chinese New Year, astrologers advise to "pass" the life path of the sacred animal. It is known that snakes periodically shed their skin, continuing to exist in another, more perfect form. People are also prescribed to follow in their footsteps and symbolically repeat this ritual: buy a new thing and meet the year of the Snake in it.
Astrologers do not recommend putting on things with snake pattern or skin texture of the sacred animal, otherwise the symbol of the year can take revenge, bringing great misfortune in the new year. The snake is a down-to-earth creature, so New Year's gifts should be useful and usable in everyday life. It is categorically not recommended to celebrate the New Year of the Snake alone. It is important to find a company in which you can cheerfully celebrate the upcoming celebration.
Chinese horoscope for 2025: what promises the year of the Snake to the signs of the zodiac
The Year of the Green Wood Snake is a time of change, inner growth and strategic approach for all signs. The wood energy of the year brings renewal and harmony, while the Snake adds wisdom and cunning to cope with difficulties more easily. According to astrologers, each sign will feel the impact of 2025 differently.
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
For Aries, the year of the Green Tree Snake will be a challenge that requires patience. Your impulsive nature may clash with the Snake's energy, which favors thoughtful action. At work, you will be able to succeed if you learn to plan tasks better and avoid hasty decisions. Health will require increased attention: take care of yourself from stress, exercise more often and take time to rest.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Taurus will feel in its element, because the Snake likes stability and thoughtfulness. In the professional sphere there will be long-term projects that will bring good profits. The main thing - do not be afraid of change, which this year will be to your benefit. The year will also allow you to discover new talents.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
For Gemini, the year of the Snake will be a time of profound change and inner growth. You will be able to find answers to questions that have been troubling you for a long time. This year is ideal for learning, learning new languages and expanding your horizons. Try not to overload yourself, otherwise there is a risk of emotional burnout.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The Year of the Green Tree Snake will bring stability to Cancerians if they allow change into their lives. The energy of the year is favorable for resolving family issues and strengthening relationships. New projects that will require creativity await you at work.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Lions this year will have to learn patience and flexibility. The snake will bring you new career opportunities if you can control your ego. You will benefit from listening more and demanding less. In your personal life, there may be changes that will seem difficult at first, but in the end will turn out to be a pleasant acquisition. Don't forget to take time to relax: it's important for you to find inner balance.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
For Virgo, the year of the Snake will be particularly productive. The Tree will bring the energy of growth, and the Snake will help you find wise decisions. The financial situation will remain stable if you try to avoid large impulsive spending. Health will require attention: take time to strengthen your immunity. The year is suitable for learning new hobbies and improving your skills.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
For Libra, this year will be a time of finding harmony and clarity. At work, there will be an opportunity for career growth if you communicate more often with your superiors. Relationships with your partner will become stronger if you can open up to him or her completely. Pay attention to your health: yoga, meditation and proper nutrition will help you feel better.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
The Year of the Snake will bring Scorpios dramatic changes, both internal and external. Work will require flexibility and the ability to adjust to circumstances. In your personal life, the year promises passion and depth: your feelings will be heightened, and this can both strengthen relationships and lead to conflicts. The financial situation will improve if you act strategically.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
For Sagittarians, the year of the Snake will be a time to find new goals. The energy of the year will help you focus and act more consciously. Interesting projects await you at work, but avoid dubious ventures. In 2025 you may meet an important person who will have a great influence on your destiny. Your health will improve if you spend more time outdoors.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
The year 2025 will be one of the most fortunate periods for Capricorns. Work will bring new perspectives if you can take responsibility for the realization of major projects. There will be a period of stability in your personal life: the Snake will help you strengthen your relationships and find harmony with yourself. Avoid overstrain and don't forget about adequate rest.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
For Aquarians, the year of the Green Wood Snake will be a time of experimentation and new opportunities. Work will give you a chance to realize creative ideas. There will be unexpected twists and turns in your personal life that will require your patience. The financial situation will improve if you act cautiously.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
The Year of the Snake will bring calm and harmony to Pisces. You will be able to resolve long-standing problems and find inner balance. The year 2025 will be a good time to strengthen relationships. Do a comprehensive health check of your body if you feel a long-term ailment. Meditations and walks will help you feel better.
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