Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is the biggest holiday in Chinese culture. It marks the start of a new year in the lunar calendar and the start of a new zodiac animal. In 2025, the Snake takes over from the Dragon. Understanding the link between Spring Festival and the zodiac helps you see why the holiday matters so much.
What Is Spring Festival
Spring Festival is Lunar New Year. It falls between late January and mid-February. The exact date changes each year based on the moon. Families gather, clean their homes, share big meals, and give red envelopes (hongbao) for luck. It is a time for fresh starts and wishes for the year ahead. Visit our categories for more zodiac and culture content.
How the Zodiac Fits In
Each Spring Festival begins a new zodiac year. The 12 animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig) take turns. 2024 was the Dragon. 2025 is the Snake. Your Chinese zodiac sign comes from the year you were born. Use our zodiac finder to confirm yours. For the full list, see our complete guide to the 12 animals.
The Story of the 12 Animals
Legends say the Jade Emperor called a race. The first 12 animals to cross the river would get a year named after them. The Rat rode on the Ox and jumped off first. The order we know today (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig) comes from that race. Different regions tell the tale slightly differently, but the animals stay the same.
Spring Festival Traditions
Cleaning
Families clean before the new year. Old dust and bad luck are swept away. Do not sweep on New Year's Day itself; some say it sweeps away good luck.
Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
Adults give red envelopes with money to kids and unmarried adults. Red is lucky. The amount often includes the number 8, which sounds like "wealth" in Chinese.
Reunion Dinner
On New Year's Eve, families share a big meal. Fish, dumplings, and noodles are common. Each dish can carry a wish (fish for surplus, noodles for long life).
Lantern Festival
About 15 days after New Year, Lantern Festival ends the holiday. People light lanterns and enjoy sweet rice balls (tangyuan).
Zodiac and the New Year
When the new zodiac year starts, people often look at what the animal means. In 2025, Snake energy brings calm, wisdom, and planning. Many read yearly forecasts to see what the Snake year holds for their sign. See our Year of the Snake 2025 and 2025 forecast for all 12 signs.
Ben Ming Nian and Spring Festival
If your zodiac animal matches the year (e.g., Snake in 2025), it is your ben ming nian, or birth year. Tradition says to be careful. Some wear red for protection. Others avoid big moves. Spring Festival is a good time to set intentions and stay positive. Read our zodiac animals to watch for more.
Zodiac Order and Spring Festival
| Order | Animal | Recent Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rat | 2020, 2032 |
| 2 | Ox | 2021, 2033 |
| 3 | Tiger | 2022, 2034 |
| 4 | Rabbit | 2023, 2035 |
| 5 | Dragon | 2024, 2036 |
| 6 | Snake | 2025, 2037 |
| 7 | Horse | 2026, 2038 |
| 8 | Goat | 2027, 2039 |
| 9 | Monkey | 2028, 2040 |
| 10 | Rooster | 2029, 2041 |
| 11 | Dog | 2030, 2042 |
| 12 | Pig | 2019, 2031 |
Why It Matters Today
Spring Festival is still central to Chinese culture. Millions travel home for the holiday. The zodiac links the past to the present. Knowing your sign and the year animal helps you connect to traditions. For more on the 12-year cycle, read our annual zodiac cycle article. Visit our about page for how we create content.
FAQs
When does the zodiac year change?
At Lunar New Year (Spring Festival). The exact date is usually in late January or early February. It is not January 1.
Why is my sign different from what I thought?
If you were born in January or early February, you may fall in the previous zodiac year. Use our zodiac calculator to check.
What is the zodiac for 2025?
2025 is the Year of the Snake. It starts at Spring Festival 2025.
Where can I learn more about my zodiac sign?
See our how to find your zodiac sign and categories for personality guides.