Janice R. Andrews
Hundreds of millions across Asia welcomed the Year of the Snake with joyous celebrations, family gatherings, and traditional festivities on Wednesday. Known as the Spring Festival in China, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in the region, bringing eight days of public holidays in China and grand celebrations across South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand.
Record-Breaking Holiday Travel
China’s transportation systems have been overwhelmed with record passenger traffic as people return home for the holiday. The annual mass migration, referred to as “Chunyun,” is set to result in approximately nine billion interprovincial trips before, during, and after the festival.
State media outlet Xinhua reported that this year’s travel surge has set new records, with both train and air travel reaching unprecedented levels. Families across the nation are making their way back home to spend the holiday with their loved ones.
In South Korea, however, heavy snowfall has caused disruptions to train, plane, and bus services. Travelers carrying gifts and luggage packed Seoul’s major transit hubs, braving harsh weather to reunite with family. Officials warned of severe traffic congestion, with journeys that typically take four hours now exceeding seven due to treacherous road conditions.
Despite the weather challenges, many South Koreans chose international travel, with Incheon International Airport expecting over 2.1 million passengers between January 24 and February 2. According to airport authorities, this marks the highest daily passenger count recorded for the holiday since its opening in 2001.
Festivities Across the Region
Throughout Asia, streets, shopping malls, offices, and homes are adorned with red decorations, symbolizing prosperity and protection from evil spirits. In Taiwan, crowds gathered at temples to offer fruit, sweets, crackers, and nuts while meditating and praying for a prosperous year ahead.
“Our tradition is to visit the temple and pray for a smooth, peaceful, and healthy year,” said Chen Ching-yuan, 36, as she made offerings at Longshan Temple in Taipei. Elderly visitors expressed joy at continuing the tradition with their families, finding comfort in prayers for a fortunate year.
In Bangkok, Thailand, thousands visited shrines to mark the new year, lighting incense and making offerings to attract good fortune. Some participants raced to be the first to light incense, a symbolic act believed to bring extraordinary luck.
“I didn’t want to look back with regret when I’m old, so I decided to go for it,” said Kao Meng-shun, after winning the incense lighting event at Fusing Temple in Taiwan’s Yunlin County. “While I’m still young and energetic, it’s the perfect time to take action and make the most of it.”
Celebrations in Space
Lunar New Year celebrations even reached beyond Earth, as Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze sent festive greetings from the Tiangong space station. Dressed in blue jumpsuits adorned with traditional red cloud patterns, the trio held paper-cuttings featuring the Chinese character fu (fortune) while wishing everyone happiness and prosperity.
“In the new year, may all your dreams come true,” said astronaut Wang Haoze, forming a heart shape with her hands in a message broadcast by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The Year of the Snake’s Significance
The Year of the Snake is traditionally linked to wisdom, transformation, and adaptability. According to Chinese astrology, this year is expected to bring fresh opportunities, deep self-reflection, and a focus on long-term aspirations. Many believe those born under the Snake zodiac sign will experience substantial personal growth and success.
As the new lunar cycle begins, celebrations continue with feasts, dragon dances, fireworks, and well-wishes shared among families and friends. Despite travel challenges and weather disruptions, the spirit of renewal and optimism remains strong as millions embrace the opportunities of the Year of the Snake.
