At SBS, we asked some of our colleagues how they mark the occasion.

South Korea

“Just like when you see our traditional clothing, Hanbok, we embrace all sorts of different colours — pink, green, blue, even black colours.”

Tteokguk is a traditional Korean soup made with rice cakes and broth and is a traditional dish eaten on New Year’s Day. Source: Getty / RunPhoto

The Korean zodiac is associated with specific colours, and 2025 is the Year of the Blue Snake.

Food plays a central role in Lunar New Year celebrations, with Na explaining that people often eat rice cake soup or tteokguk.

Vietnam

In the north, pink peach blossoms are displayed as symbols of rebirth and success.

Pink peach blossoms are showcased as symbols of rebirth and prosperity in north Vietnam. Source: Getty / Vietnam

Nguyen said people tend to eat sour melon soup and pork, as well as mango and other fruits.

“Down to the details, it will be different. But the spirit, the atmosphere, the way we celebrate, they are the same,” Nguyen said.

Hong Kong

“I have four uncles so that means that for my Lunar New Year, I have to visit them one by one, so that means already four nights of different meals.”

Other traditions include lighting fireworks and gifting money from older to younger family members, before festivities wrap up with the lantern festival.

Celebrations in South Asia

Known as Lhosar, different communities mark the holiday based on distinct lunar calendars, though celebrations often coincide with those in East Asia.

Lhosar is a festival celebrated by the Buddhist communities of Nepal, along with people from India, Bhutan and Tibet, including the Gurung, Tamang and Sherpa communities. Source: AAP / Prabin Ranabhat

The communities include the Gurung community which marks Tamu Lhosar; the Tamang community which marks Sonam Lhosar; and the Sherpa community which marks Gyalpo Lhosar.

For those in Australia, preparations are in full swing, with Sydney’s celebrations considered among the largest outside of Asia.