First,Happy Chinese New Year!!!
As we know,the first day of the first lunar month is called the Spring Festival.It means"中国春节"Usually we do this.
from twitter @Hua Chunying华春莹
from twitter @Lijian Zhao 赵立坚
But,some westerners called it "Lunar New Year" it means"农历春节".like joe biden, nba2k, even the white house.Because they thought that not only the Chinese celebrate the Spring Festival but also almost all asians.Lunar New Year is more inclusive.
from twitter @Joe Biden
from twitter @White House
This sounds ridiculous,right? You must know that the leader of Asian culture is China.
Now let's say about the difference of Chinese new year and Lunar new year.
"Lunar New Year" is a more general term and encompasses all celebrations that mark a new year according to a lunar calendar.
In contexts outside of China, referring to Lunar New Year as "Chinese New Year" and vice versa can come off as insensitive and offensive because it ignores other cultures, all of which have their own unique traditions, beliefs, and celebrations.
Some claim that referring to the celebration as 'Chinese New Year' may be insensitive, as there are several other cultures celebrating the same festival by a different name on this date, and so it is not strictly 'Chinese'.
On the other hand, referring to it as "Lunar New Year" inadvertently ignores other cultures' expressions of a lunar new year, which may even fall on different dates and are totally different celebrations.
So, Should We Call It "Chinese New Year" or "Lunar New Year"?
In a casual conversation, there is no problem using the two terms interchangeably. Either way, whether you refer to it as the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year, as long as no intentional offense is meant, it is safe to say that almost everyone will just be happy to share and celebrate the festive occasion all around the world, whatever it's called!
However, in a stricter cultural context, this can cause misunderstanding or controversy if done incorrectly. Therefore, you should treat the names as follows:
When speaking about Chinese New Year to Chinese people or someone from a culture that doesn't traditionally celebrate a different lunar New Year, it is safe to say "Chinese New Year" or "Lunar New Year" or "Spring Festival".
When speaking to a person with other Asian heritage about their New Year, it is best to say "Lunar New Year" or use culture-specific or local terms. For example, with Vietnamese people, use "Vietnamese New Year", or even better, say "Tết" to show respect and knowledge.
So,I don't like how some people confuse Chinese New Year with Chinese New Year.
I think it's a disrespect to Chinese culture.
At last,Congratulations to the global Chinese Happy New Year!!!