The Chinese use a lunisolar calendar that combines lunar and solar calendars to indicate both the phase of the Moon and the position of the Sun in the sky

The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of spring and the new year on something called the lunisolar calendar. That's a type of calendar historically used in China that uses the moon and the sun to determine dates.

People worldwide celebrate the Lunar New Year today, which occurs on the second new moon to follow the Winter Solstice.

The first new moon of the lunar calendar officially ushered in the new year in many cultures Wednesday, marking the imminent arrival of spring and the first day of the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes good luck, rebirth and regality.

China and other Asian countries are celebrating the Spring Festival today, a deeply rooted cultural festival that marks the beginning of a new year based on the lunisolar calendar.

New York City's acclaimed all Asian American Pacific Islander sketch comedy team will celebrate Lunar New Year with a night of snake-filled sketch comedy, music, special guests, drink specials and Asian treats at Caveat. Guests are encouraged to dress festively in red and gold clothing. Grab tickets here!

Lunar New Year is based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar. It begins with the first new moon and ends with the Lantern Festival on the next full moon, 15 days later. The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle of animals. 2025 marks the Year of the Snake.

This is the Year of the Snake, one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, whose qualities include wisdom, charm, elegance and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be intuitive, strategic and intelligent. Qiao considered her peers at Duke who may feel “not Asian enough” or “too Asian.”

Lunar New Year traditions vary greatly among countries or territories covered by Radio Free Asia and its affiliate, BenarNews. Most of China’s 1.4 billion people as well as Chinese communities around the world observe the Lunar New Year, known as Chunjie, or Spring Festival.

You may have thought that New Year’s was only celebrated on January 1, but you couldn’t be more wrong. In other cultures, New Year’s actually doesn’t take place until much later. It’s referred to as Lunar New Year and is one of the most important Asian holidays of each year. Related: 6 Lunar New Year Traditions for the Year of the Snake

A comprehensive guide to the Chinese zodiac in Chinese Astrology according to a Chinese astrology expert Vicki Iskandar