Celebrated across Asia and beyond, it marks the start of a new year based on the cycles of the moon rather than the Gregorian calendar, when the majority of the United States and

Anyone not familiar with the “prosperity toss,” a beloved Lunar New Year culinary tradition that’s famous in Singapore and Malaysia, could be forgiven for thinking they’ve just walked in on the world’s strangest food fight.

When is Lunar New Year in 2025? And why do people wear red as part of the celebrations? Answers to these questions and more as we say goodbye to the Dragon and enter the Year of the Snake.

Lunar New Year starts this week, marking an important holiday in China and other Asian communities. Lunar New Year celebrations can last up to 15 days, starting on the new moon between late January and mid-February. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar calendar.

Lion dances can be seen during special occasions, like weddings, birthdays and store openings, and symbolize good luck and fortune. They are also an integral part of ushering in the new year, according to the Chinese lunisolar calendar, and honoring a new Chinese Zodiac sign.

Boston hosts multiple Lunar New Year celebrations, from festivals and lion dances to tea demonstrations and chocolate tastings.

Each culture that celebrates the Lunar New Year has traditions passed down from generation to generation that are thought to bring good luck. NPR readers share theirs.

In September 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation making Asian Lunar New Year an official holiday for public schools statewide. As a result, all public schools in the Empire State will be closed Wednesday in observance of the holiday.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated at a street market at the Far East Center in Denver. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce shared a kiss after the Chiefs won the AFC Championship on January 26. Here's what their body language means, per an expert.

Michelle Wood and the owners of Forestville’s newest restaurant, BaSo, serve up special feasts for Lunar New Year.

The two restaurants also have a few special menu items, including lion’s head meatballs, whole branzino, and black-sesame rice dumplings. They’re available now at Chang Chang and starting Saturday, February 1 at NiHao, and will run through the end of the month.