Buddhist holidays and celebrations are often calculated according to the Lunar calendar, except in Japan, where the Solar calendar is used. In different Asian countries, the beginning of the year varies and leap years are calculated differently.
The lunar calendar year begins on the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice. On this occasion, people visit temples and centers, meditate, give gifts, join retreats, interpret omens for the coming year, celebrate, buy something new, and wish good fortune for the new year.