Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year?

As many people prepare to celebrate the Lunar — or Chinese — New Year on February 17, it feels like the perfect moment to briefly explore whether there is actually a difference between these two names — and which New Year you might choose to celebrate, if you feel called to mark the occasion.

Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year are often used as synonyms — but they are not exactly the same thing. Let’s take a closer look together.

Although Lunar New Year is usually celebrated on the same day as Chinese New Year, in some countries it falls on a different date. For example, it may be observed on the first, rather than the second, New Moon after the winter solstice.

🌙 Lunar New Year

🐉 Chinese New Year

Lunar New Year as a Personal Ritual of Renewal