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As we welcome 2025, people across East and Southeast Asia, as well as Eastern and Southeastern Asian cultures around the globe, are gearing up to celebrate the vibrant Lunar New Year festival. This joyous occasion is steeped in rich cultural and traditional roots, serving as a time for family gatherings, honoring ancestors, and embracing the arrival of spring. Each year is represented by an animal from the zodiac, often sharing similar symbolism across various Asian countries. This year is the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation.
We’re excited to explore the diverse customs celebrated by our team members from different backgrounds, highlighting the unique practices of Lunar New Year festivities. We invited three team members—Chris, Christine, and Duke—to share their insights and experiences.
“Chinese New Year is the biggest festival for us, and I love the reunion vibe most. A special time to connect with family and enjoy delicious foods together like dumplings shaped like ancient Chinese currency, symbolizing reunion and wealth. Other practices include setting off firecrackers and lion dances to drive away evil spirits, hanging spring couplets that convey auspiciousness, peace, and happiness, and, of course, receiving red envelopes (hongbao) filled with lucky money from seniors. I truly appreciate how this festival promotes family unity and helps us reconnect with our heritage.” - Chris Chen, Software Engineer III (Web), Sydney.
“As a Korean, we celebrate Seollal, the Lunar New Year, with rituals that honor our ancestors. We prepare a special feast called 'Tteokguk (a rice cake soup)’ and often enjoy ‘Sikhye (a sweet rice punch)’. Eating Tteokguk symbolizes gaining a year in age and brings good fortune for the year ahead. Another favorite dish is Jeon, savory pancakes made with a variety of pan-fried vegetables and meats. The tradition of receiving New Year’s money from elders brings good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. What I cherish the most about this festival is the emphasis on family and respect for our roots.” - Christine Kim, Senior QA Engineer I, Sydney.
“Tết, the Lunar New Year, is a major festival for us Vietnamese, focusing on family reunions. We clean and decorate our house, shop for new clothes and gifts, give red envelopes, and visit ancestor graves. We prepare traditional foods like ‘Bánh Chưng (square sticky rice cake)’ symbolizing the Land of Vietnam, and pickled vegetables that add balanced flavors to our festive table, signifying harmony for the family. What I love most about this festival is receiving red envelopes from adults along with their blessings. The spirit of renewal and hope that Tết brings is something I value too.” by Duke Ho, Software Engineer II (Web), Auckland.
Lunar New Year is more than just a celebration, it’s a beautiful of the diverse cultures, traditions, and values we share. As we celebrate the Year of the Snake, let’s take a moment to appreciate the richness of our collective heritage and continue fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Wishing everyone a prosperous and joyful Lunar New Year, no matter where you are in the world!
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