Lunar New Year is a major holiday in many east Asian countries, and is called different names in different places. China in particular celebrates Chun Jie. Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends with the first full moon of the lunar calendar. It typically takes place in January or February.

Chun Jie is a time to make way for new things and opportunities, bring families together and remember ancestors, eat symbolic foods, and worship and have fun.

In China, while the festivities can last up to 16 days, the first week is a time of public holiday. Chun Jie also marks the beginning of a new zodiac sign; 2022 is the year of the Tiger. Chun Jie is also known as the Spring Festival.

Some important foods to eat on Chun Jie are dumplings (signifying sending away the old and welcoming the new), spring rolls, long noodles (for longevity in life), steamed fish and chicken, and nian gao (rice cake, as a wish to be successful).

The holiday ends with the Lantern Festival that celebrates reunions between family and friends. Lit lanterns are, of course, the most important part of the festival, and rice balls and lion dances are common.