Celebrate Lunar New Year in the UK

Did you know that one-sixth of the world’s population celebrates Lunar New Year? It is one of the most widely observed festivals globally, traditionally marked as a time to honour deities and ancestors, while welcoming prosperity, luck, and happiness for the year ahead.

The UK takes pride in celebrating its rich cultural diversity. As an international student, you’ll have the chance to experience a variety of traditions, meet fascinating people from across the globe, and participate in vibrant festivities. Lunar New Year is widely celebrated throughout the UK, especially in larger cities and on university campuses. In fact, London hosts the largest annual Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia, offering an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in this joyous cultural event.

Read on for some Lunar New Year facts.

1. The date changes every year

Most East Asian countries follow the lunar calendar, which is based on the moon’s orbit around the Earth, rather than the solar calendar commonly used in the West. As a result, Lunar New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, occurring between 21 January and 20 February each year.

This celebration marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is one of the most important holidays in many East Asian cultures, including but not limited to China, Korea, Vietnam, and Mongolia. While customs vary across regions, the shared focus is on family reunions, honouring ancestors, and welcoming prosperity, happiness, and health in the year ahead.

2. It began with the legend of the ancient mythical beast, Nian

The origins of Lunar New Year trace back to the legend of an ancient, mythical beast called Nian. According to folklore, Nian would descend upon villages each New Year’s Eve, devouring livestock, crops, and even villagers. Terrified, the villagers would either barricade themselves in their homes or flee to the mountains to escape the beast’s wrath.

One year, just before Nian's arrival, a sage appeared in the village. Instead of hiding, he confronted the rampaging creature and successfully drove it away. Revealing himself to be a god, the sage explained that Nian was afraid of the colour red, loud noises, and fire. He taught the villagers to hang red decorations outside their homes, burn bamboo to create crackling sounds (a precursor to firecrackers), and light candles to ward off the beast.

From that time on, the villagers followed these practices every year, and Nian was never seen again. This tradition evolved into the festive Lunar New Year customs we celebrate today, symbolising the triumph of light and good fortune over fear and adversity.

3. The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animals

The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve animals, which first appeared during the Zhan Guo period (over 2,000 years ago). According to legend, the Jade Emperor challenged all the animals in the kingdom to a 'Great Race,' with the winner being the first to reach his palace. Each animal crossed the finish line in a unique way, earning its place in the zodiac cycle and influencing the personality traits of those born under its sign.

4. 2025 is the Year of the Snake (from 29 January)

The Year of the Snake represents wisdom, transformation, and a calm but determined approach to life. People born in this zodiac year are often known for their intelligence, intuition, and elegance. They are said to possess a mysterious charm, strong analytical skills, and a steady focus on their goals. While they may appear calm on the surface, snakes are highly strategic and can be deeply ambitious.

The Year of the Snake is associated with transformation and renewal, much like the snake shedding its skin. It’s a year for calculated change, self-reflection, and perseverance. Rather than rushing, success in this year often comes from careful planning and embracing opportunities for personal growth and reinvention.

The snake also brings a sense of introspection, encouraging individuals to trust their instincts and use their inner wisdom to navigate the complexities of life.

5. It's traditional to give red envelopes filled with money

At Lunar New Year, it is traditional to give red envelopes filled with money. These envelopes symbolise good wishes, blessings, and luck for the year ahead. Traditionally given to children, these envelopes are now also exchanged among friends, family, colleagues, and other relatives as a gesture of goodwill.

The true significance of the tradition lies in the envelope itself rather than the money inside. The vibrant red colour represents good luck, happiness, and prosperity in East Asian cultures, making it a meaningful and cherished tradition that brings joy to both the giver and the recipient.

6. Avoid washing or cutting your hair on the first day of the New Year

It is traditional to avoid washing or cutting your hair on the first day of the Lunar New Year. This is because the Chinese character for 'hair' shares its root with the first character in the word for 'prosperity'. Cutting or washing your hair is believed to symbolically wash away your fortune, reducing your chances of success and prosperity in the year ahead.

Similarly, cleaning of any kind is avoided on this day. In preparation for the New Year, homes are typically cleaned, and rubbish is cleared away before midnight, ensuring that no good fortune is swept out once the celebrations begin.

7. The UK is home to some of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia.

From London to Liverpool to Glasgow, many of the UK’s major cities—particularly those with vibrant Chinatowns—host dedicated festivities that bring the Lunar New Year to life. London’s Chinatown, for example, is famous for its elaborate parades, dragon and lion dances, and live performances, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

As a student in the UK, you’ll have plenty of ways to celebrate. You can indulge in traditional foods, such as dumplings and spring rolls, at some of the best East Asian restaurants near you, or explore Lunar New Year markets (if you're lucky) selling festive snacks and decorations. Many cities also put on breathtaking fireworks displays and lantern-lit processions to mark the occasion.

Whether you're experiencing your first Lunar New Year or continuing a beloved tradition, the UK offers countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the celebrations, connect with the local community, and make unforgettable memories. Just remember to wish your friends, colleagues and anyone else who celebrates a Happy Year of the Snake.