While greetings of “Happy New Year” seem to be everywhere, Jan. 1 isn’t the only observation that celebrates the changing of a year.  

 The Lunar New Year, sometimes called the Chinese New Year, falls this year on Jan. 29 according to the lunar calendar. 

 A lunar calendar tracks time based on the phases of the moon, and not the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Lunar New Year is an important part of Asian culture. 

 It is celebrated on the first new moon of the year. Festivities are different depending on the country. 

 In Vietnam, adults give small red envelopes filled with cash to children. 

 In China, it’s celebrated with food and firecrackers. 

 One popular part of the Lunar New Year deals with the Chinese zodiac, which rotates among 12 animals. 2025 is the year of the Snake.  

 The snake, the sixth animal in the zodiac, holds traits such as intuition, strategy, and elegance. 

 So don’t be surprised to hear “Happy New Year” again at the end of the month.