Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures. It is celebrated widely in China, but also Vietnam, Korea and many others. Over time, it has been increasingly celebrated across the world, including many families who live in Bracknell Forest.
The New Year celebrations usually last for multiple days, not just one day as in the Gregorian calendar’s New Year. In 2025, Lunar New Year begins on Wednesday 29 January.
Tied to the lunar calendar, the holiday began as a time for feasting and to honour household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors.
Each culture celebrates the Lunar New Year differently, and has various foods and traditions that symbolise prosperity, abundance and togetherness.
Some households hold rituals to offer food and paper icons to ancestors. Others post red paper and banners inscribed with calligraphy messages of good health and fortune in front of, and inside, homes. Elders give out envelopes containing money to children. Foods made from glutinous rice are commonly eaten, as these foods represent togetherness. Other foods symbolise prosperity, abundance and good luck.
In preparation for the Lunar New Year, houses are thoroughly cleaned to rid them of inauspicious spirits, which might have collected during the old year. Cleaning is also meant to open space for good will and good luck.
There will be Lunar New Year celebrations in Wokingham this year on Sunday 9 February between 11am and 3pm.
We’d like to wish a Happy New Year to all our residents and staff observing Lunar New Year.