Happy Lunar New Year - Teaching English in Asia During Holidays

Welcome to the Year of the Wood Snake! A warm greeting to the billions across China, Asia, and in East Asian diaspora communities across the globe who are celebrating the Lunar New Year, from Shanghai to San Francisco. Rooted in centuries-old Chinese myth and tradition, the "Spring Festival," as it is called in China, spans two weeks and focuses on family gatherings, special foods, and diverse traditions that vary by region. These customs often emphasize self-reflection and the welcoming of good fortune for the New Year. 

The Lunar New Year in 2025 begins on January 29, 2025. In most nations, this holiday celebrates the Year of the Wood Snake. This zodiac combines the Snake's characteristics (wisdom, intelligence, and adaptability) with the Wood element's influence (growth, stability, and harmony). It is especially auspicious as it only occurs once every 60 years; the last generation with this zodiac prior to 2025 was born in 1965!

From China, Korea, and Vietnam to Taiwan and Malaysia, this holiday is a cultural focal point in many of the most popular destinations for certified English teachers. Lunar New Year Celebrations provide foreign English teachers with a unique opportunity to explore a central element of regional culture and tradition and also a welcome break from work! 

Tips and Facts About Lunar New Year

• Travel: Anticipate increased travel costs and make reservations early, as many people journey home for family reunions, leading to a significant surge in travel activity. Also, some businesses may close or change their hours for the holidays. 
  
  
• Colors: Expect to see red and gold prominently featured in decorations and attire, as these colors are believed to bring luck and prosperity.
  
  
• Cuisine: Enjoy traditional dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, and fish, each carrying symbolic meanings of wealth and longevity. Of course, many regions maintain their own culinary traditions. For example, a very common New Year treat in Vietnam is Banh Chung, a square cake made from glutinous rice, mung bean paste, and pork wrapped and boiled in banana leaves, 

Here are just some of the countries where this holiday is being celebrated and where you could be living and teaching English this year. 

China: Many individuals will tidy their homes, and families will come together to enjoy meals featuring duck, fish, and sweets. Children are given money in red envelopes as a symbol of good fortune, and the two-week celebration usually concludes with the Red Lantern Festival, where vibrant lights are displayed throughout the community.

Taiwan: Posters depicting various gods and spirits are posted on doors to drive away evil spirits and temples are crowded with worshippers gathering to burn incense and present offerings to ensure good fortune in the New Year.

Hong Kong:  The city’s flower markets are in full bloom as residents purchase elaborate bouquets for friends and relatives.  Gathering for large family meals in traditional restaurants prior to New Year's Day is another ritual that many Hong Kong residents engage in to celebrate the annual holiday.

Vietnam: The Vietnamese celebrate Tet – as the holiday is famously known – by gathering for a dinner of traditional foods like bánh ch ung (a square cake made of sticky rice stuffed with beans and pork), mang (a soup of boiled bamboo shoots and pork) and xôi gấc (orange sticky rice). It is also common to see the streets filled with people on bicycles and motorbikes carrying home a traditional “Tet tree” or tac, which is a cone-shaped fruit tree with miniature oranges.

The Lunar New Year is also celebrated in such countries as South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.  Many of these nations represent some of the best job markets and most exciting destinations in the world for English teachers.  Indeed, in most East Asian countries, English teachers can expect to make enough to save 30%-50% of their salary after expenses, and in some countries, schools will also provide free housing and/or free airfare from the teacher’s home country.  Discover more about some of these nations in Top 5 Countries to Make the Most Money Teaching English Overseas.

PRO TIP! Don't live in Asia? You can still experience vibrant Asian cultural celebrations in your area. Check out local events like lively parades, shopping specials, and delicious culinary delights in Chinatowns and East Asian communities near you.