Lunar New Year Holiday (Day 2)

The Magic of Lunar New Year Day 2: A Celebration of Heritage and Harmony in Australia

The second day of the Lunar New Year holds a unique and vibrant place within the Australian cultural landscape. While the first day is often marked by the initial burst of fireworks and the immediate transition into the new lunar cycle, the second day—traditionally known as "Kaisui" or the day for welcoming sons-in-law in some cultures—represents the deepening of festivities. In Australia, a nation defined by its multicultural tapestry, this day is a spectacular blend of ancient Eastern traditions and the relaxed, sun-drenched atmosphere of a southern hemisphere summer. It is a time when the streets of our major cities are transformed into ribbons of red and gold, and the air is thick with the scent of incense, ginger, and sizzling street food.

What makes this day special in the Australian context is the way it bridges the gap between the private family sphere and the public community space. While Day 1 is frequently centered on the immediate family and ancestral rites at home, Day 2 often sees the celebrations spill out into the wider community. It is a day of momentum. In the bustling precincts of Haymarket in Sydney, Box Hill in Melbourne, or Sunnybank in Brisbane, the energy is electric. For many Australians of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean heritage, this day is about reinforcing social bonds, visiting extended family, and participating in large-scale public displays of culture that invite all Australians, regardless of their background, to join in the prosperity and joy of the "Year of the Horse."

This celebration is not merely a "festival for some"; it has become a cornerstone of the Australian events calendar. It reflects the successful integration of Asian cultures into the Australian identity. From the dragon boat races on the harbour to the quiet moments of reflection in suburban temples, Day 2 of the Lunar New Year captures the essence of modern Australia: a place where tradition is respected, diversity is celebrated, and the hope for a prosperous future is a shared ambition. Whether you are cracking a fortune cookie in a local bistro or watching a high-stakes lion dance performance, the second day of the New Year offers a profound sense of renewal and excitement.

When is Lunar New Year Day 2 in 2026?

In the year 2026, the second day of the Lunar New Year celebrations will take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. As of today, there are 46 days remaining until this vibrant celebration begins.

It is important to note that the date of the Lunar New Year is variable. Unlike the Gregorian calendar (the standard solar calendar used in Australia), which fixes New Year’s Day on January 1st, the Lunar New Year follows the lunisolar calendar. This calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and the phases of the sun. Consequently, the New Year begins on the occasion of the first new moon that appears between January 21 and February 20. Because the lunar cycle is shorter than the solar cycle, the date shifts every year, usually falling about 11 days earlier than the previous year, unless a leap month is added to the lunar calendar to bring it back in line with the solar seasons. In 2026, the first day of the New Year falls on February 17, making February 18 the official "Day 2" of the 15-day festival.

History and Cultural Origins: From Ancient Fields to Australian Streets

The origins of the Lunar New Year, often referred to as the Spring Festival or Chunjie, are rooted deep in the mists of ancient Chinese history, dating back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty. Originally, it was a sacrificial period where farmers would offer thanks to gods and ancestors for the previous harvest while praying for a bountiful season ahead. The timing was crucial; it marked the end of the coldest part of winter and the beginning of spring, a time of rebirth and planting.

The legend of the Nian is perhaps the most famous story associated with the festival's origins. According to folklore, a terrifying beast named Nian would emerge from the sea or the mountains every New Year's Eve to devour livestock, crops, and even villagers. The people eventually discovered that the beast was terrified of the colour red, bright lights, and loud noises. This led to the traditions we see today: the hanging of red lanterns, the wearing of red clothing, and the deafening crackle of firecrackers.

As the Chinese diaspora spread across the globe, these traditions travelled with them. In Australia, the history of the Lunar New Year is inextricably linked to the gold rushes of the 1850s. Thousands of Chinese miners arrived in Victoria and New South Wales, bringing their customs, languages, and festivals with them. In the goldfield towns like Bendigo and Ballarat, the sounds of Cantonese opera and the sight of processional dragons became part of the local scenery. Over the decades, despite periods of restrictive immigration policies, the resilience of the Chinese-Australian community ensured that these traditions survived and eventually flourished. Today, the festival has expanded to include the traditions of Vietnamese Australians (Tết) and Korean Australians (Seollal), making it a pan-Asian celebration that reflects Australia’s modern demographic reality.

The Year of the Horse: Energy, Independence, and Success

Each year in the Lunar calendar is associated with one of twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac. In 2026, we celebrate the Year of the Horse. In Asian astrology, the Horse is a powerful symbol of energy, warmth, and intelligence. People born under this sign are often seen as independent, high-spirited, and capable of great success through hard work and persistence.

The Year of the Horse is traditionally expected to be a time of rapid movement and decisive action. In Australia, where the "can-do" spirit is highly valued, the symbolism of the Horse resonates strongly. It is a year where people are encouraged to pursue their dreams with gallantry and speed. On Day 2 of the festival, many of the decorations and public art installations across Sydney and Melbourne will feature the Horse, often depicted in mid-stride to symbolise progress and the "gallop" toward prosperity.

Traditions and Customs: How We Celebrate Day 2

While the first day of the New Year is often a whirlwind of activity, Day 2 has its own specific set of rituals and customs that are strictly observed by many families across Australia.

Family Reunions and the "Son-in-Law" Tradition

Traditionally, the second day is known as the day for married daughters to visit their birth parents. In many Asian cultures, once a woman marries, she is considered part of her husband's family and spends the first day of the New Year with his kin. Day 2 provides a dedicated time to return home, bringing her husband and children to pay respects to her own parents. In the Australian suburbs, this often results in large multi-generational "barbies" or banquets where the extended family gathers to share stories and food.

The Exchange of Red Envelopes (Hongbao/Li Xi)

The giving of red envelopes, known as Hongbao in Mandarin or Li Xi in Vietnamese, remains a central highlight, especially for children and young adults. These envelopes contain "lucky money" and are given by elders and married couples to the younger generation. The red colour of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is believed to ward off evil spirits. On Day 2, as families continue their rounds of visits to friends and relatives, the exchange of these envelopes is a constant feature.

Symbolic Foods: Eating for Prosperity

Food is the heart of any Australian Lunar New Year celebration. Every dish served on Day 2 is chosen for its symbolic meaning: Dumplings (Jiaozi): Shaped like ancient silver and gold ingots, they represent wealth and treasure. Fish (Yu): The word for fish in Chinese sounds like the word for "surplus." It is customary to leave some fish on the plate to ensure that the coming year has a surplus of wealth and luck. Spring Rolls: Their golden-brown colour and cylindrical shape resemble gold bars. Nian Gao (Rice Cakes): The name sounds like "getting higher year by year," symbolizing promotions at work or growth in children. Longevity Noodles: Uncut noodles that represent a long and healthy life.

The Taboos: What to Avoid

To ensure good luck for the rest of the year, several traditional taboos are observed during the first few days of the festival, including Day 2: No Sweeping: Sweeping the floor is strictly avoided as it is believed you might sweep away the good luck that arrived at midnight on New Year's Eve. No Sharp Objects: Using scissors or knives is often discouraged as it might "cut" the thread of good fortune. No Washing Hair: In some traditions, washing your hair is seen as washing away your luck for the year. Avoid Negative Talk: Mentioning death, sickness, or ghosts is considered extremely inauspicious.

Public Celebrations Across Australia

While the private traditions are meaningful, it is the public spectacle that truly defines the Lunar New Year in Australia.

Sydney: A World-Class Extravaganza

Sydney hosts one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia. The City of Sydney’s Lunar Festival spans 17 days, and Day 2 (February 18, 2026) will be right in the thick of the excitement. The Lunar Lanterns: Giant, artistically designed lanterns representing the zodiac animals are placed around the CBD and Circular Quay. Dragon Boat Races: This is a quintessentially Australian twist on the tradition. Held at Darling Harbour, these races feature thousands of paddlers in spectacular boats, competing to the beat of heavy drums. Chinatown Festivities: Dixon Street and the surrounding Haymarket area become a pedestrian-only zone filled with lion dances, firecrackers, and market stalls.

Melbourne: Cultural Immersion

In Melbourne, the focus is on cultural depth and community participation. Queensbridge Square: This area becomes a hub for 10 days of festivities, including traditional dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and karaoke competitions. The Awakening of the Dragon: In Melbourne’s historic Chinatown (the oldest continuous Chinatown in the West), a massive processional dragon is "awakened" to bless the streets, accompanied by the thunderous sound of drums and cymbals.

The Georges River Festival (Hurstville)

For a more local but equally grand experience, the Georges River Council in Sydney’s south hosts a major festival. In 2026, while Day 2 is on a Wednesday, the major street festival typically aligns with the nearest weekend (often around February 21). Thousands flock to Hurstville for food stalls, live entertainment, and a sense of community that is palpable.

Practical Information for Visitors and Locals

If you are planning to experience the Lunar New Year Day 2 in Australia, here are some practical tips to make the most of the day:

1. Transport: Major cities experience significant congestion around Chinatown areas. It is highly recommended to use public transport (trains or light rail) to access festival hubs.
2. What to Wear: Red is the color of the season! Wearing red is seen as an invitation for good luck. Avoid wearing all white or all black, as these colors are traditionally associated with mourning in many Asian cultures.
3. Dining: Restaurants in Asian precincts will be incredibly busy. If you want to enjoy a traditional banquet on Day 2, book your table weeks in advance.
4. Weather: February in Australia is the height of summer. Expect temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. If you are attending outdoor parades or dragon boat races, remember to be "SunSmart": slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.
5. Photography: Lion and dragon dances are incredibly photogenic. However, be respectful of the performers and the crowds. It is customary to "feed" the lion a red envelope (often containing a small donation) if it approaches you.

Is it a Public Holiday?

The status of Lunar New Year Day 2 as a public holiday in Australia depends entirely on where you are located.

Christmas Island (CX)

On Christmas Island, a territory of Australia located in the Indian Ocean, Lunar New Year Day 2 is an official state public holiday. Because the island has a significant population of Chinese descent, the first two days of the New Year are gazetted holidays. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, government offices, schools, and most local businesses on the island will be closed. This allows the community to fully engage in the religious and cultural rites of the festival.

Mainland Australia (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT)

On the Australian mainland, Lunar New Year Day 2 is not a public holiday. It is considered an "observance" or a cultural festival. Businesses and Schools: Everything remains open as per a normal Wednesday. Schools, banks, and post offices operate during their usual hours. Retail: Shopping centres and supermarkets remain open, though many will have festive decorations and special Lunar New Year sales. Transport: Public transport runs on a standard weekday timetable. Local Impact: While it isn't a day off work for most, you may find that some small, family-owned businesses in Chinatowns or heavily Asian-populated suburbs choose to close for a few days to celebrate. Additionally, traffic may be heavier than usual in areas where major festival events are taking place.

In summary, while most of Australia will be at work or school on February 18, 2026, the spirit of the holiday will be felt everywhere. From the boardroom to the classroom, the "Year of the Horse" will be welcomed with the characteristic Australian blend of enthusiasm, respect, and a shared hope for a year filled with strength and success. Whether you are on Christmas Island enjoying a well-deserved day off or in the heart of Sydney watching the lion dancers, Day 2 of the Lunar New Year is a testament to the vibrant, multicultural heart of modern Australia.