Picture a scene awash in red and gold, where the crackle of fireworks fills the air and the scent of delicious festive dishes lingers everywhere – this is Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, one of the most significant celebrations in the world. Marking the beginning of the lunar calendar, it is a time for family reunions, festive feasts, and vibrant cultural traditions.

While the festival’s origins are deeply rooted in Chinese history, its influence is widespread, with unique local variations reflecting the diverse cultures of each country. Chinese New Year is a time of renewal, reflection, and a commemoration of cultural heritage. Whether celebrated with grandeur or intimate family gatherings, the essence remains the same – uniting people to welcome a prosperous and harmonious new year.

Without further ado, here is how Chinese New Year is celebrated in different countries worldwide.

China: The Heart of the Festivities

In China, Lunar New Year is marked by a 15-day celebration that culminates in the Lantern Festival. Families gather for reunion dinners featuring symbolic dishes like dumplings for prosperity and fish for abundance. The streets are adorned with red lanterns, and the night sky lights up with fireworks to ward off evil spirits. The tradition of giving red packets (hong bao) filled with money symbolises good luck for the coming year.

Malaysia: A Melting Pot of Traditions

Malaysia, with its rich multicultural landscape, celebrates Chinese New Year with an exciting fusion of Chinese customs and local flavours. Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang come alive with dragon and lion dances, vibrant parades, and temple visits. Families and friends partake in lou hei, a prosperity toss of a colourful salad, often topped with raw fish, known as yee sang, signifying good fortune and abundance.

Vietnam: Tết Nguyên Đán Celebrations

The Lunar New Year is known as Tết Nguyên Đán in Vietnam, or simply Tết. It is the most important holiday of the year, with families paying tribute to their ancestors and cleaning their homes to welcome good luck. Traditional foods such as bánh chưng (sticky rice cake) and spring rolls are enjoyed, while the streets are filled with peach blossom trees and kumquat plants, representing prosperity.

South Korea: Seollal Merriment

A major holiday, the Lunar New Year is known as Seollal in South Korea. Families don traditional hanbok attire and perform ancestral rites called charye. Popular foods that are served during Seollal include tteokguk (rice cake soup), which symbolises growing a year older. Aside from that, games such as yut nori (a traditional board game) and bowing to elders for blessings are cherished traditions.

United States: A Cultural Extravaganza

In cities with large Chinese communities, such as San Francisco and New York, Chinese New Year is a major cultural event. San Francisco’s Chinatown hosts one of the oldest and largest Chinese New Year parades in the world, featuring elaborate floats, martial arts performances, and the iconic 200-foot-long golden dragon. In New York, the festivities include firecrackers, traditional dances, and delicious street food.

Hong Kong: A Spectacle of Fireworks and Fun

Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year festivities are known for their grandeur, with a stunning fireworks display over Victoria Harbour drawing crowds from around the world. The city’s famous horse races at Sha Tin Racecourse also attract thousands, hoping to start the year with luck and prosperity. One cannot forget the bustling flower markets and the traditional night parade in Tsim Sha Tsui that add to the festive spirit.

Thailand: Revelry in Chinatown

Thailand is home to a large Chinese community and celebrates Chinese New Year with splendour, especially in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Dragon and lion dances fill the streets, and temples are visited for prayers and offerings. Many Thai-Chinese families also honour ancestors with special rituals and enjoy festive feasts featuring auspicious dishes such as nian gao (glutinous rice cakes) and steamed duck or chicken.

Indonesia: A Deeply Cultural Celebration

In Indonesia, Chinese New Year, known as Imlek, is commemorated with prayers at temples, family feasts, and the giving of hong bao (red envelopes). The festivities are particularly more exciting in cities like Jakarta and Medan, with lantern festivals and performances of barongsai (lion dances) adding to the excitement.

Featured image: Markus Winkler