Celebrate Lunar New Year | Immersive Cultural Experience by SBS Learn

Lunar New Year 2026

This resource has been designed to take learners on an immersive experience to better understand Lunar New Year as it is celebrated across the world. As you scroll down you will learn about different elements of this important cultural festival.

Educators, click Teacher resource to explore this subject further, or click Skip to activity to jump straight to the zodiacs and worksheets.

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Here you'll discover answers to questions such as...

What is Lunar New Year...?

Who celebrates Lunar New Year...?

What does 'Lunar' mean...?

What is a Lunisolar calendar...?

Let's learn more about this important cultural festival!

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is a major festival celebrated by many Asian cultures to mark the start of their new year. This festival typically symbolises renewal, family connection and honouring ancestors.

Who celebrates this holiday?

While often associated with Chinese communities, this important holiday is also observed by Korean, Vietnamese and many other Asian cultures around the world.

When does Lunar New Year occur?

The date of Lunar New Year is based on the lunisolar calendar, which follows the cycles of the Moon and the Sun. This calendar has been used in Chinese history for thousands of years, though the Gregorian calendar is now used for everyday life.

Lunar New Year begins on the first new moon of the year, which means the date changes each year but usually falls between late January and early February. The festival ends about 15 days later on the full moon.

Where is Lunar New Year celebrated?

It is celebrated in many Asian communities around the world, including Australia!

Polaroid images of Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations

How is Lunar New Year celebrated around the world?

There are variations to the way this festival is celebrated in different countries and by cultural groups.

.... let's take a look at a few!

Lunar New Year in China

In China, Chunyun - the Spring Festival travel rush - sees millions of people journey home to celebrate Lunar New Year.

This festival is marked by many traditions that take place over a 15-day period.

These traditions include giving red envelopes filled with money for good luck, alongside gifting oranges or mandarins to wish others happiness and good fortune.

Lunar New Year in Korea

Korean New Year is called Seollal. This festival is celebrated over three days at the same time as Lunar New Year in Chinese and Vietnamese communities.

During Seollal, families gather to honour their ancestors with traditions such as charye, a ritual which involves preparing and offering food, and sebae, a formal bow made by young people to show respect to their elders.

Lunar New Year in Vietnam

Tết is the most important festival in Vietnamese culture. It marks their Lunar New Year and is thought to date back thousands of years to when agriculture was first established in Southeast Asia.

The festival is celebrated with traditions such as cooking bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake), decorating homes with flowers or fruits, and public celebrations including fireworks.

Celebrations around the world

Lunar New Year is also celebrated in many other countries around the world, including in Australia, where large community celebrations take place.

Work with your class to find out how another country celebrates Lunar New Year.

Zodiacs

In some Western cultures, the concept of star signs, or horoscopes, are based on the month you were born. For example, if you are an Aries star sign, born around March or April, some people believe you might be competitive.

In many Asian cultures, though, it's the year you were born that matters - and each year is linked to an animal that's said to represent aspects of your personality.

Which zodiac animal are you?

Rat/Mouse

Wise, resourceful and organised.
Born: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Ox/Buffalo

Diligent, strong and hardworking.
Born: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Tiger

Powerful, brave and independent.
Born: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Cat or Rabbit

Sympathetic, thoughtful and warm.
Born: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Dragon

Confident, brave and strong.
Born: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Snake

Positive, lively and decisive.
Born: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Horse

Goal-oriented, persistent and independent.
Born: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Goat/Sheep/Ram

Gentle, elegant and artistic.
Born: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Monkey

Active, intelligent and curious.
Born: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Rooster

Outgoing, hardworking and independent.
Born: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Dog

Loyal, observant and reliable.
Born: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Pig/Boar

Lucky, compassionate and generous.
Born: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Is it a rat, or a mouse?

As you learn more about the zodiac you will be exposed to different variations.

For example, some cultures say rat instead of mouse, ox instead of buffalo, sheep instead of goat, or pig instead of boar. In Vietnamese culture, the Year of the Rabbit is actually the Year of the Cat!

So remember, some cultures may refer to animals differently.

Let's celebrate Lunar New Year together!

Activity: zodiac worksheets

Find your birth year on the calendar to discover your zodiac animal. Download your colouring worksheet below and read about your animal's characteristics.

Does the description match you? Discuss with a partner.