We've already celebrated the New Year here in the UK...

... But why not adopt the Lunar calendar too..

Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar (Moon Phase)or lunisolar calendar, indicating both the Moon phase and the time of the solar year, that is the position of the Sun in the Earth's sky. It is celebrated in many countries not only China (often referred to as Chinese New Year), including Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan and is an event celebrated by billions of people across the world on the first new moon of their calendar.

If you're not totally clued up on Lunar New Year or if you don't really understand it, we've got all the things you need to know:

1. It's on 29th January - Yes, it's not on the first day of the year and the New Year is on a different day every year. This is because it depends on the earth’s cycle around the sun because the Chinese year is based around the moon and the Lunar New Year differs every year. Confused? Us too!
2. It's the year of the Snake! The zodiacs repeat every year and previous years of the Snake are 1977, 1989 and 2001 and 2013. Of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, the sixth animal, the snake is the most mysterious and are also the wisest. They don’t allow others to know about them that much and they usually keep things to themselves. This makes them suitable for a philosopher, or a theologian. People born in this zodiac are great speakers and are deep thinkers though. Such people are also stubborn and overconfident. They ignore others’ opinion and only follow their own judgment, which is right most of the time.
3. Red is a symbolic colour - Apparently, red promotes good fortune and luck for the year ahead so you'll be sure to see plenty of it around. Whether it's the dragons in the parade, costumes or lanterns hung around the city, you'll be sure to see something.
4. It's all about family - In China, people head home from work and school/college because the New Year is all about spending time with their family. So, don't be surprised if your Chinese flatmates and friends head home for a while. 
5. It's quite superstitious - It is thought if you're ill on 16th Feb then you'll be ill for the year, washing your hair on New Years Day is said to be washing away all your fortune and you can't borrow any money because that will give you bad luck all year round! Better settle your debts in advance...
6. Everyone can get involved!  It's a great excuse to witness the fun and happy times, plus it gives you an excuse to celebrate all the amazing things about the Chinese culture.

Check out what's happening on campus or in the city and see how you and your friends can get involved in the celebrations.

Happy New Year to you - we hope 2025 is a good one for you!