Chinese New Year is fast approaching – or should i say Lunar New Year? Or maybe even Spring Festival?

Last year, I had a friendly chat with one of my partners in Vietnam about this very topic. They politely pointed out that while many people call it Chinese New Year, others across Asia prefer the terms Lunar New Year or Spring Festival.

It got me thinking… What’s the difference? And why do different countries refer to it in their own way? I did a bit of digging (and by digging, I mean Googling), and here’s what I’ve pieced together:

Chinese New Year is the name most commonly used in China and by Chinese communities worldwide.

Lunar New Year is a broader term, reflecting celebrations across various cultures that follow the lunar calendar.

Spring Festival is the literal translation of the Chinese term for the holiday, focusing on the season it celebrates and its themes of renewal.

While the names might differ, the basic idea is the same…. Family reunions, feasts, traditions and welcoming the new year with hope and positivity.

I don’t claim to be an expert on cultural traditions, but that’s why I’m so grateful to have friends and partners across Asia to help me make sense of it all. These conversations remind me of the beauty of global connections and the importance of curiosity As a freight forwarder, I’ve spent my life working globally with people of all nationalities. I love learning about other cultures, not just the laws that impact freight, but the lives and beliefs and behaviours of the people we do business with. And I think that’s part of what makes Millennium stand out.

We’re not another faceless forwarder, but a friendly bunch of people who want to get to know you, understand your business and build real, long-lasting relationships that serve.

So, here’s a question for you… when did you last try to get to know your customers a little better? A quick email or even, dare I say it, a phone call! (I’m old school like that) can help to build relationships in your business.