Lunar New Year's Eve (Chúxī)
The last evening of the lunar calendar year — a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. Spring couplets, the reunion dinner, and staying up to ring in the new year.
Days until the next Lunar New Year's Eve (Chúxī)
Lunar New Year's Eve (Chúxī) — Dates by Year
Significance
New Year's Eve (Chúxī) is the final evening of the lunar year, carrying the profound meaning of sending off the old and welcoming the new. "Chú" means to remove or end, and Chúxī is the night that closes the old year. Families complete last-minute cleaning, paste spring couplets and door gods, and decorate the home for New Year. The evening is Taiwan's most cherished family reunion night of the year.
The Reunion Dinner
The reunion dinner (wéilú, literally "gathering around the brazier") is the most important New Year's Eve tradition, symbolizing the family gathered around the hearth. Taiwanese reunion dinners feature dishes rich in auspicious meaning: mustard greens (longevity), fish (abundance), prosperity cake (wealth), radish (good omen), and prawn rolls (inviting fortune). While many families now book restaurant dinners, the warmth of cooking and eating together at home remains irreplaceable.
Staying Up & Fireworks
"Shǒusuì" — staying awake through midnight — symbolizes adding years to elders' lives and bidding farewell to the old year. At midnight, firecrackers and fireworks light up the sky across Taiwan; Taipei 101's New Year countdown show is the country's most iconic celebration. The traditional belief is that firecrackers drive away evil spirits and invite prosperity for the coming year.
Spring Couplets & Red Envelopes
Pasting spring couplets (chūnlián) on the doorframe with auspicious phrases is a centuries-old tradition of renewal and protection. Door god images are affixed to the main entrance to guard the home. On New Year's Eve, elders distribute red envelopes (hóng bāo) to younger family members — filled with money and wishes for health and success. Red envelopes continue to be given throughout the New Year holiday to visiting guests and children.