Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most iconic celebrations in Chinese culture. In 2025, the festivities will begin on January 29, marking the Year of the Wood Snake according to the Chinese zodiac. Thus, this period rich in traditions and symbols offers a unique opportunity to delve into a thousand-year-old culture.
Article and photographs by Damien Lafon.

Origins and Meaning of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which explains why it falls on a variable date between January 21 and February 20. As such, it marks the end of winter and celebrates renewal. The origins of the holiday are rooted in legends, such as the mythical monster Nian. According to tradition, the monster terrorized villages before being repelled by symbolic elements such as noise, lights, and the color red. Today, these elements remain omnipresent in celebrations – from fireworks to decorations.
In addition, the period is also synonymous with prosperity and family reunions. Families clean their homes to ward off bad luck, prepare symbolic meals, and honor their ancestors. As such, Chinese New Year is not just a celebration; it is a time of reflection and renewal for millions of people around the world.
Emblematic Traditions and Rituals of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is full of emblematic traditions, although they vary by region. However, some remain universal. For example, the family New Year’s Eve is a key moment to share a meal. Each dish has a specific meaning: fish symbolizes prosperity, noodles represent longevity, and dumplings evoke wealth. In addition, red envelopes (hongbao), filled with money, are offered to children to bring them good luck. In addition, the lion and dragon dance, accompanied by drums and cymbals, celebrates vitality. Finally, fireworks ward off negative energy and joyfully mark the beginning of the new year.
Did you know?
According to “China Daily,” each year, during Chunyun (Chinese New Year), more than a billion people make approximately 3 billion journeys in just 40 days, marking the largest annual human migration in the world.

2025: Under the sign of the Wood Snake
Chinese astrology places 2025 under the sign of the Wood Snake, symbol of intelligence, wisdom and intuition. The Wood element, meanwhile, represents growth and creativity, promising a year of innovation and adaptation.
People born under the sign of the Snake, such as in 1965 or 1989, should focus on their well-being this year. They can use their natural intelligence to meet challenges and achieve their goals in 2025. Legend has it that the Snake used the Horse as a mount to arrive before it in a race. This legendary trick inspires those who seek to optimize their choices and succeed in their projects this year.
Chinese New Year around the world
Supported by the Chinese diaspora, the Chinese New Year lights up many countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia, the United States and France. In San Francisco and London, the Chinatown parades bring together thousands of curious and passionate people every year. In addition, many international companies are joining forces with this event by offering campaigns or special collections inspired by the symbolic animal of the year.
In 2025, under the sign of the Wood Snake, this moment of renewal will highlight adaptation and creativity. Regardless of the region of the globe, this universal celebration promotes themes such as family, hope and cultural ties, bringing together traditions around a common heritage rich in symbols.
Did you know?
Fireworks, invented in China in the 9th century, were used to chase away evil spirits according to traditional beliefs.


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