Celebrations vary from culture to culture, but typically on the first day of Lunar New Year people visit the senior members of their extended family. One of the most recognizable celebrations is lion dance troupes, a dramatic tradition meant to usher in the New Year and expel evil spirits.

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

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers are marking the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield

From public parades to traditional dances, here's how countries around the world are celebrating the Year of the Snake.

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.