Lunar New Year refers to the beginning of the year in several calendars. It is commonly assumed that they are all based on a lunar calendar. However, this is not the case.
Several sinospheric cultures' new year is based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar:
Other cultures use different methods to determine their new year:
- Islamic New Year — This may be the only major new year celebration that is based on a purely lunar calendar.
- Rosh Hashanah — In the Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on the 29th day of the month of Elul.
- Thai New Year (Songkran) — Although the traditional Thai calendar is also lunisolar, Songkran is determined on a purely solar basis.
- Ugadi & Gudi Padwa — This is the new year's day for the Deccan people of India, who also use a lunisolar calendar.
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