Lunar New Year messages, greetings, and quotes for cards and invitations

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in many East Asian cultures. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, and each year is represented by one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. In 2025, we will welcome the Year of the Snake. This festive time is marked by family reunions, colorful decorations, delicious feasts, and heartfelt messages shared among loved ones.

As the New Year approaches, it’s common to send greetings and well-wishes through cards and invitations. Whether you’re writing to family members, friends, or colleagues, Lunar New Year messages are a wonderful way to express your hopes for happiness, health, prosperity, and success. Here are some thoughtful Lunar New Year messages, greetings, and quotes to inspire your cards and invitations for the upcoming festivities.

1. Traditional Lunar New Year Greetings

These classic and meaningful greetings are the heart of Lunar New Year celebrations. They convey wishes of prosperity, happiness, and health for the year ahead.

• “Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财)” – “Wishing you wealth and prosperity.”
  This is one of the most common and well-known greetings exchanged during the Lunar New Year. It is often used to wish people success and financial prosperity in the year ahead, especially when offering red envelopes, or “hongbao”.
• “Xin Nian Kuai Le (新年快乐)” – “Happy New Year.”
  This is the standard and universally understood way to say “Happy New Year” in Mandarin. It’s perfect for anyone, from family to friends, and is a simple yet sincere wish for the year ahead.
• “Wan Shi Ru Yi (万事如意)” – “May all your wishes come true.”
  This traditional blessing is often used to wish for things to go smoothly throughout the year. It is a message of good fortune, success, and personal happiness.
• “Shen Ti Jian Kang (身体健康)” – “Wishing you good health.”
  Health is an incredibly important aspect of life, and this wish expresses a sincere desire for the recipient to stay healthy and strong in the year ahead.

2. Lunar New Year Messages for Family

Lunar New Year is all about bringing family together. Whether you are sending an invitation for a family gathering or a card to relatives near and far, here are some heartfelt messages to show your love and appreciation.

• “Happy Lunar New Year to the most wonderful family. May our hearts and homes be filled with warmth and happiness this year.”
  This message expresses a deep connection with family and hopes for unity, love, and joy in the year ahead.
• “As we celebrate this special time together, may the new year bring health, love, and blessings to our entire family.”
  A sweet message for a family reunion, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and well-wishing for all family members.
• “Family is everything, and there’s no better time than Lunar New Year to celebrate the bonds we share. Wishing you all a year of abundance and joy.”
  This message highlights the significance of family during the celebrations and is a perfect addition to any Lunar New Year invitation.
• “I am so grateful for our family and the love we share. Wishing you all a year of good fortune and good health. Happy New Year!”
  A heartfelt and personal message that conveys deep appreciation for your loved ones.

3. Lunar New Year Messages for Friends

Lunar New Year is also a time to celebrate friendship. Here are some cheerful messages you can send to friends, whether you’re inviting them to join the festivities or just sending your well-wishes.

• “Wishing you a fantastic Lunar New Year, full of laughter, love, and countless memories! Let’s make this year unforgettable.”
  A fun and enthusiastic greeting for friends, emphasizing the joy of friendship and the excitement of the year ahead.
• “Happy New Year to my wonderful friend! May your days be as bright as the fireworks and your year filled with good fortune and joy.”
  A light-hearted message with a festive spirit, perfect for a close friend who loves to celebrate in style.
• “Cheers to a new year and new adventures. May this Lunar New Year bring all your dreams to life!”
  A positive and motivational message for friends, encouraging them to pursue their goals and dreams in the year ahead.
• “As the Year of the Snake begins, I wish you wisdom, strength, and prosperity. Let’s make this year one to remember!”
  A more thoughtful and inspiring message, perfect for a friend who values personal growth and transformation.

4. Lunar New Year Quotes for Cards

If you’re looking for a quote that adds a touch of wisdom or inspiration to your Lunar New Year card, here are some meaningful ones that beautifully capture the essence of the celebration.

• “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” — Plato
  This quote emphasizes the importance of new beginnings, making it an ideal addition to a Lunar New Year card, symbolizing fresh starts and new opportunities.
• “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu
  A timeless quote by the great Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, reminding us that no matter how long or challenging the journey may seem, every great achievement starts with one small step. It’s a perfect message for anyone embarking on a new chapter in life.
• “Each new day is a new beginning. Wishing you a prosperous New Year ahead!”
  A simple but powerful quote that speaks to the opportunities that each new day holds. It’s a great quote for anyone looking to make the most of the new year.
• “May the New Year bring you more happiness than you can imagine and more opportunities than you can ever dream of.”
  This inspiring message captures the essence of hope, growth, and the potential of the year ahead.

5. Lunar New Year Quotes for Invitations

When inviting friends and family to celebrate Lunar New Year together, it’s important to set the tone of the invitation with a warm, welcoming message. These quotes are perfect for your invitations.

• “Join us as we celebrate the start of a new year, full of joy, blessings, and good fortune!”
  A cheerful invitation that invites guests to share in the joy of the celebrations and the hope for prosperity.
• “Let’s welcome the new year with laughter, love, and lots of food! You’re invited to a celebration of family, friends, and all things good.”
  A light-hearted, fun invitation that sets a festive tone for the Lunar New Year celebration.
• “Come celebrate the Year of the Snake with us! We’re excited to ring in the new year with food, fun, and plenty of good company.”
  An exciting invitation, perfect for a lively and enjoyable gathering.
• “Let’s toast to new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and great memories this Lunar New Year! We’d love to have you join us for the festivities.”
  A sophisticated invitation that speaks to the fresh start of the new year and the joy of creating memories with loved ones.

Lunar New Year is a time for fresh starts, family reunions, and celebrating the many blessings in our lives. Whether you’re sending a card or inviting friends and family to join in the festivities, the words you choose can set the tone for a joyous and prosperous year ahead. From traditional greetings like “Gong Xi Fa Cai” to thoughtful quotes that inspire, these messages and greetings are sure to make your Lunar New Year celebrations special and memorable. May the Year of the Snake bring wisdom, prosperity, and joy to you and your loved ones!