Pictures: Celebrations start the Yr of the Snake

Beijing, China: Dragon dancers carry out at a park at the first day of the Lunar New Yr of Snake on Jan. 29.

Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Pictures

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Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Pictures

All the world over, persons are beginning the Lunar New Yr off via bidding the Dragon adieu and inviting within the Yr of the Snake.

A dragon dance makes its way through a throng of people attending the annual Lunar New Year parade in New York City's Chinatown on Feb. 25, 2024.

It is an all-encompassing birthday party that spans throughout international locations, and just about 2 billion members, who will dance, devour, and collect to uphold traditions that target welcoming a brand new 12 months with their highest foot ahead. As NPR readers shared, there are many rituals that households elevate on 12 months after 12 months to ensure just right success, just right fortune, and prosperity like cleansing their properties, slicing their hair, and, in fact, consuming quite a lot of just right meals.

Celebrating Lunar New Year in a time of grief

For lots of, it is a time to mirror on folks they’ve misplaced, however additionally it is a time to set intentions and welcome the brand new power of the longer term. So, how are the festivities kicking off globally? Take a look at some glimpses of dragons, fireplace breathers, and snakes, oh my!

Bangkok, Thailand: Lion Dance performances worship Chinese deities during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration at a shopping mall in Bangkok, on Jan. 29.

Bangkok, Thailand: Lion Dance performances worship Chinese language deities all through the Chinese language Lunar New Yr birthday party at a shopping center in Bangkok, on Jan. 29.

Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto by way of Getty Pictures

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Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto by way of Getty Pictures

Manila, Philippines: A performer breathes fire during Lunar New Year celebrations at Binondo district, considered the world's oldest Chinatown, on Jan. 29.

Manila, Philippines: A performer breathes fireplace all through Lunar New Yr celebrations at Binondo district, thought to be the sector’s oldest Chinatown, on Jan. 29.

Ezra Acayan/Getty Pictures

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Ezra Acayan/Getty Pictures

Keelung, Taiwan: People light candles on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Snake at a temple in Keelung on Jan. 29.

Keelung, Taiwan: Folks gentle candles at the first day of the Lunar New Yr of the Snake at a temple in Keelung on Jan. 29.

I-Hwa Cheng/AFP by way of Getty Pictures

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I-Hwa Cheng/AFP by way of Getty Pictures

Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia: Performers entertain tourists on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Snake at Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia, on Jan. 29.

Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia: Performers entertain vacationers at the first day of the Lunar New Yr of the Snake at Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO International Heritage Web page and the biggest Buddhist temple in Indonesia, on Jan. 29.

Devi Rahman/AFP by way of Getty Pictures

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Devi Rahman/AFP by way of Getty Pictures

Keelung, Taiwan: People offer prayers on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Snake at a temple in Keelung on Jan. 29.