The date of Chinese New Year is determined by the Chinese lunar calendar. It's a very important holiday in China. It begins with the new moon that occurs between the end of January and the end of February, and it lasts about 15 days, until the full moon arrives with the Festival of Lanterns. In 2025, it begins on January 29.

Each new year is designated with one of 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

• 2025 ~ year of the green wood snake

As you celebrate Chinese New Year this year, learn about some musical instruments from China.

8 Classifications of Chinese Instruments:

• Metal
• Stone
• Clay
• Hide
• Silk
• Wood
• Gourd
• Bamboo

7 Classical Chinese Instruments

Pipa ~ Chinese Lute

Erhu ~ Chinese Violin

Dizi ~ Bamboo Flute (played horizontally)

Xiao ~ Bamboo Flute (played vertically)

Suana ~ Double-Reed Woodwind Instrument

Gong ~ Metal Percussion Instrument

Pengling ~ Handbells

Qing ~ Chimes

Learn more about the traditions, symbols, and food of Chinese New Year here. And here are some fun activities for kids to do for Chinese New Year.