The first new moon of the lunar calendar officially ushered in the new year in many cultures Wednesday, marking the imminent arrival of spring and the first day of the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes good luck, rebirth and regality.

Firecrackers, parades and prayers marked the Lunar New Year as millions around Asia and farther afield celebrated

Large crowds watched dancers and drummers in London on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. The holiday - known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea - is a major festival celebrated in several Asian countries.

This year, Lunar New Year begins today, Wednesday, Jan. 29, and ends Feb. 12. Lunar New Year, also widely regarded as Chinese New Year since the late 19th century when it gained global recognition through Chinese immigrant communities, is a centuries-old tradition rooted in the lunar calendar.

Asian American communities around the U.S. and around the world are ringing in the Year of the Snake Wednesday, including in New York City. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival,

Many Chinese who work in bigger cities return home during the eight-day national holiday in what is described as the world's biggest annual movement of humanity.

Millions of pipo across Asia and di world dey celebrate di Lunar New Year wey dey happun during di first new moon of di lunar calendar. Na one important event in di year for many in Asia and some Asian communities worldwide,