Want good luck in 2025? Here are 10 traditions to welcome Chinese New Year
This Wednesday, Jan. 29, marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Wood Snake.
Also known as Lunar New Year, it is celebrated in many Asian countries, including the Philippines.
For many, it’s a time to set intentions for a prosperous year ahead.
This New Year celebration spans 15 days, lasting until the Lantern Festival on Feb. 12.
Chinese New Year traditions, passed down from generation to generation, are believed to attract prosperity and good fortune.
Here are 10 traditions to usher in a prosperous new year.
10 Chinese New Year traditions to attract good fortune
1. Cleaning the house
On days leading to the Chinese New Year, families thoroughly clean their homes to sweep away the old and welcome the new. Taking a bath also symbolizes renewal.
2. Decorating homes in red
Homes and businesses across the globe are adorned with red lanterns, red paper cuttings and spring couplets to attract good fortune and ward off evil.
After cleaning the house to “sweep away bad luck,” families decorate their homes in vibrant red, the color of prosperity.
3. Family reunion dinner
Bringing families together and fostering connection, this family reunion dinner is one of the celebration highlights on Chinese New Year’s Eve.
In the Philippines, families often serve traditional Chinese food like dumplings, fish, spring rolls and Tikoy — a sticky rice cake symbolizing prosperity and tight family bonds.
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4. Lighting firecrackers or fireworks
Loud noise or explosions are believed to scare away evil spirits. The louder the noise, the more prosperous the year ahead will be, particularly for businesses.
5. Wearing new clothes and wishing others good luck
On New Year’s Day, wearing new clothes symbolizes a fresh start. Wearing red is believed to attract luck and prosperity. Greeting others “gongxi” or best wishes is thought to usher in an auspicious year.
The younger generations opt for modern greetings, including virtual messages and WeChat red envelopes.
6. Dragon and lion dances
Chinese enclaves worldwide, including Binondo, come alive with dragon and lion dances that are believed to chase away evil spirits and bring blessings of wealth and luck for the new year.
Led by the “Pearl of Wisdom” — the dragon weaves through crowds and the lion’s movements are accompanied by pounding drums and clashing cymbals.
7. Red envelopes
Known as “ang pao” in the Philippines and “hong bao” in China, these red envelopes filled with money are handed to kids and unmarried family members, symbolizing blessings of health and longevity.
8. Offering gifts to ancestors
Families honor their ancestors by offering wine, food and incense at gravesites or altars. This custom of showing respect ensures blessings for the new year.
9. Staying up late
“Shousui,” which translates to “after the New Year’s Eve dinner,” is the Chinese New Year tradition of staying awake past midnight.
Also known as the New Year’s vigil, this tradition is believed to prolong the lives of parents and welcome a bountiful year.
10. Festival of lanterns
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. This tradition aims to promote peace, reconciliation and forgiveness.
People decorate their homes with colorful lanterns and many carry paper lanterns around at night.
