Sunday, January 26, 2025 The Chinese Lunar New Year, a significant cultural celebration across Asia, has sparked an extraordinary surge in travel, propelling the Asian travel industry to new heights. This festive season, countries like China, Vietnam, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan are witnessing unprecedented traveler numbers. This growth revitalizes tourism-dependent economies and sets the stage for a robust year in inbound travel and outbound travel.
What is Lunar New Year? Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in China or Tet in Vietnam, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Asia. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, the Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon. This calendar is used by various cultures across Asia, and the celebration often falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar cycle.
Historical Significance The origins of Lunar New Year date back thousands of years to ancient agrarian societies in China. It was initially a time to celebrate the end of the winter season and the start of the spring harvest. The festival is steeped in mythology, with one popular legend involving the mythical beast Nian, who would terrorize villages.
People discovered that loud noises, bright lights, and the color red could ward off the creature. These elements have since become iconic symbols of Lunar New Year celebrations. Cultural Practices and .