The Year of the Tiger began this year on Feb. 1, according to Chinese zodiac.  

But what is the difference between the Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year?  

According to Peng Zhang, coordinator for global academic partnerships for research and economic development at Missouri State University, the name is the only difference.    

Lunar New Year is a general and inclusive term to be used since it is observed by many Asian countries, while Chinese New Year often refers to the celebrations in China or by Chinese communities.  

The celebrations of the new Lunar year begin on the first day of a new Lunar calendar. Festivities can vary based on local culture.  

“Another name of this Lunar New Year celebration is Spring Festival, which heralds the spring season with a hope for a prosperous year,” Zhang said. “Despite various forms of celebration, in general, the Lunar New Year is the time for a family gathering and reunion to celebrate the previous year’s success and send new year wishes to family and friends.”  

There will not be in-person Chinese New Year celebrations on the MSU campus this year because of COVID-19 and staffing issues.  

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Learn more about Chinese New Year