This year, Lunar New Year begins today, Wednesday, Jan. 29, and ends Feb. 12. Lunar New Year, also widely regarded as Chinese New Year since the late 19th century when it gained global recognition through Chinese immigrant communities, is a centuries-old tradition rooted in the lunar calendar.

Millions of people across Asia and the world are welcoming the Lunar New Year which coincides with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. Widely considered to be the most important event in the year for many in Asia and some Asian communities worldwide,