Janice R. Andrews
The arrival of the Snake Year marks the beginning of Lunar New Year festivities across Asia, commencing with the new moon on January 29. This 15-day celebration, culminating with the full moon, embodies cultural renewal and familial bonds.
The scale of travel during this period is unprecedented. Hong Kong’s aviation sector has intensified operations with quarter-hourly flights to Japan, scheduling 150 connections across 13 cities. China expects a staggering nine billion journeys, combining 510 million rail passengers, 90 million air travelers, and countless road trips. Meanwhile, South Korea anticipates 6.39 million vehicles traversing its snow-covered highways.
Each nation embraces the holiday distinctively while maintaining the core value of family reunions. China’s Spring Festival spans eight public holidays, South Korea’s Seollal extends for six days from January 27, and similar celebrations occur under various names – Tet in Vietnam and Imlek in Indonesia.
In Chinese zodiac tradition, the Snake represents one of twelve animal signs in a recurring cycle. Those born in Snake years are traditionally associated with wisdom and graceful demeanor, with the zodiac believed to influence various aspects of life.
Traditional celebrations feature vibrant displays of red decorations, illuminated lanterns, and pyrotechnics. Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour will host 400,000 spectators for a 23-minute fireworks spectacle, while traditional lion dances bring messages of prosperity across communities.
Regional customs add unique flavors to the festivities: Malaysia and Singapore’s “prosperity toss” of yee sang, Korea’s symbolic tteokguk soup, and Vietnam’s carefully crafted banh chung rice cakes all represent hopes for prosperity and renewal. These diverse celebrations collectively demonstrate how Lunar New Year serves as a powerful reminder of cultural heritage and communal aspirations.
