ALEX BLOG

Grab your saddle and put on your riding boots — it's time to stampede into the Year of the Horse. Lunar New Year, widely considered the most important event of the year in China and Chinese communities around the planet, is nearly here.

Marking the first new moon of the lunar calendar, it falls on February 17 in 2026, kicking off the 15-daySpring Festival. Celebrations vary depending on the country or region, but there are a few common traditions.

Whether you're unfamiliar with the occasion or need a refresher, this guide to ushering in the Year of the Horse has you covered.

Why is it the Year of the Horse?

Incredibly complex, the Chinese zodiac calendar is best described as a 12-year cycle represented by 12 animals, in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Your personal zodiac animal sign is determined by youryear of birth, meaning 2026 will welcome plenty of baby Horses. Children born in the last lunar calendar year were Snakes, while those born on or after the Lunar New Year in 2027 will be Goats, and so on.

And every year, a heavenly stem (one of five elements, which fall into the yin or yang category) is paired with an earthly branch (one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals). This year, the heavenly stem is "Bing" (big sun) and the earthly branch is "Wu" (the Horse), making it the Year of the Fire Horse.

Followers believe that for each Chinese zodiac sign, luck will depend largely on the positions of theTai Sui— a collective name for the stellar deities thought to rotate parallel to and in the opposite direction of Jupiter.

Geomancy masters may interpret the data differently, but there is usually a consensus on what the year means for each zodiac animal based on the positions of the stars.

For many followers, the Lunar New Year is an ideal time to visit a temple to make blessings depending on what the stars have to say about their particular zodiac sign for the coming months.

Why light firecrackers and wear red? Meet Nian

There are countless folktales attached to Lunar New Year, but the myth ofNianstands out as one of the most fun.

According to the legend, every Lunar New Year's Eve this ferocious underwater beast with sharp teeth and horns would crawl onto the land and attack a nearby village.

On one such occasion, as the villagers rushed into hiding, a mysterious old man showed up and insisted on sticking around despite warnings of impending doom.

To the villagers' surprise, the old man and the village survived utterly unscathed.

The man claimed to have scared Nian away by hanging red banners on his door, lighting firecrackers and donning red clothing.

This is why wearing the fiery color, along with hanging banners and lighting firecrackers or fireworks, are Lunar New Year traditions, all of which are still followed today.

The preparation

Like many major holidays, Lunar New Year can be a lot of work. Festivities often last for 15 days — sometimes even more — with different tasks and activities taking place over that period.

It all begins about a week ahead of the new year.

To kick things off, festive cakes and puddings are made on the 24th day of the last lunar month (February 11 in 2026). Why? The word for cakes and puddings isgaoin Mandarin andgouin Cantonese, which sound the same as the word for "tall."

That means eating these treats is believed to lead to improvements and growth in the coming year. (If you haven't prepared your own "gou" yet, here'san easy recipe for radish cake, a beloved Lunar New Year dish.)

And don't forget about our friend Nian. No Lunar New Year preparation would be complete without the hanging of red banners bearing auspicious phrases and idioms (calledfai chunin Cantonese andchunlianin Mandarin) at home — beginning with one's front door.

These will perform double duty — keep Nian away and invite good fortune.

Some of the prep work isn't quite as enjoyable. Many believe that a big cleanup should take place at home on the 28th day of the last lunar month, which falls on February 15 this year.

The aim is to rid your home of any bad luck that's accumulated over the past year. Some believers won't even sweep or take out the trash for the first five days of the new year, fearing they will wash away all that fresh good luck.

On a related note, many say you shouldn't wash or cut your hair on the first day of the new year either.

Why? Because the Chinese character for the word hair is the first character in the word for prosper. So washing or cutting it off is seen as washing your fortune away.

(Read moreLunar New Year do's and don'ts here.)

Lunar New Year's Eve: The big feast

A big family reunion dinner is usually held on Lunar New Year's Eve, which falls on February 16 this year.

The menu is carefully chosen to include dishes associated with luck, including fish (the Chinese word for it also sounds like "surplus"), puddings (symbolizes advancement) and foods that look like gold ingots (such as dumplings).

In China, the foods served at these classic dinners vary depending on the region. For instance, in some northern areas people tend to serve dumplings and noodles, whereas the south can't live without steamed rice.

Lunar New Year feasts may look very different outside of China. In Malaysia and Singapore, gatherings aren't complete without a loud and chaotic"prosperity toss," oryusheng,when diners stir and toss thinly sliced vegetables and raw fish with chopsticks before a meal.

Lunar New Year's Day: Family visits and red packets

The first few days of the Lunar New Year, especially the first two days, are often a test of one's stamina, appetite and social skills, as many people have to travel and visit immediate family, other relatives and friends.

Bags are stocked with presents and fruits to give out at people's homes. Visitors will be showered with gifts after catching up over Lunar New Year treats.

In many families, married people are expected to give out red packets filled with money to those who haven't yet tied the knot — both children and unmarried juniors.

It's believed these envelopes — known ashongbao/lai see— can protect children by warding off evil spirits, calledsui.

Other countries have their own traditions. In South Korea, for instance, the Lunar New Year festival is calledSeollal. The first three days are filled with tributes to ancestors, festive games and foods such as rice cakes (tteokguk) and pancakes (jeon).

Day 3: Visit a temple

Day three of the Lunar New Year, which falls on February 19, is namedchi kou/cek hau, or red mouth.

It's believed that arguments are more likely to happen on this day, so some people will avoid social interactions and visit temples to make offerings to offset any potential bad luck.

As noted earlier, for many peopleLunar New Yearis a time to consult the stars to find out what lies ahead in the coming months.

Every year, certain Chinese zodiac signs clash with the stars negatively, so temple visits are considered a good way to resolve those conflicts and bring peace in the coming months.

Day 7: The people's birthday

The seventh day of the Lunar New Year (February 23) is when followers believe the Chinese mother goddess,Nuwa, created humanity. Thus, it's calledrenri/jan jat(the people's birthday).

Different communities in Asia will serve various "birthday" foods on that day.

For example, Cantonese people eat dishes made of seven types of vegetables. In Malaysia and Singapore, the aforementioned "prosperity toss" might make an appearance on tables.

Day 15: The Lantern Festival

The highlight of the whole Spring Festival, theLantern Festivalhappens on the 15th and final day (March 3 in 2026).

CalledYuan Xiao Jiein Mandarin Chinese, it's considered the perfect ending to the weeks-long Lunar New Year preparations and celebrations.

The Lantern Festival celebrates the first full moon of the year — hence the name:Yuanmeans beginning;Xiaomeans night.

It marks the departure of winter and the beginning of the spring season.

On this day, people light lanterns to symbolize driving out darkness and bringing hope to the coming year.

In ancient Chinese society, it was the only day when young girls were allowed to go out to admire the lanterns and meet boys. As a result, it's also been dubbed Chinese Valentine's Day.

Nowadays, cities worldwide still put on massive lantern displays and fairs on the festival's final day.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

Minutes after top diplomatMarco Rubioproclaimed that the United States and Europe"belong together"in a conciliatory speech at the Munich Security Conference, his Chinese counterpart took to the stage with his own pitch.

"China and the EU are partners, not rivals," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his audience, speaking from the same stage Saturday.

"As long as we firmly grasp this point, we will be able to make the right choices in the face of challenges, prevent the international community from moving toward division and promote the continuous progress of human civilization."

The Rubio-Wang double bill came as an overhaul of US foreign policy has shaken up America's longstanding bonds with Western allies, who now openly declare that the era of US-backed global security and rules is over.

Now, the race is underway to shape what comes next.

Rubio used his address at the annual security establishment get-together toreassure European leadersthat President Donald Trump's administration is committed to their alliance, even as it believes they need to do more to support it, and that the current international system should be "rebuilt."

And Wang, a veteran diplomat who's been the face of leader Xi Jinping's foreign policy for more than a decade, was ready with his carefully calibrated rejoinder.

Problems with the current international system did not lie primarily with the United Nations, he said, but "certain countries that magnify differences, pursue a country-first approach, engage in bloc confrontation and revive Cold War thinking."

China and Europe, he added – in an apparent admonition of US policy and statecraft –should together reject "unilateral practices," safeguard free trade and oppose bloc confrontation.

Sideline meeting

But Wang presented China's pitch at a moment when Beijing is also looking to keep steady its ties with the US, ahead of an expected trip to China by Trump later this spring.

Stakes are high for the landmark meeting, which could cement the relative stability between the world's two biggest economies that emerged after aXi-Trump meeting in South Korea last fall.

When asked about the visit, Wang told a Munich audience that he was "confident" about the prospects for China-US relations but offered a warning of how their ties could go awry.

There were "two different prospects" for the countries' relations: one in which the US can "understand China reasonably" and cooperate, and another in which the US seeks decoupling, opposes China in a "knee-jerk way" and steps on China's "red lines," including on Taiwan.

The latter path would likely "push China and the United States toward conflict," he said.

Rubio also addressed the US-China relationship at the conference Saturday, with the known China hawk telling an audience during a Q&A that it would be "geopolitical malpractice" if "two of the big powers on the planet" didn't communicate to manage areas where their interests don't align.

Rubio and Wang also met on the conference sidelines Friday for talks that appeared to further set the stage for the expected Trump visit.

Wang said after the Friday sit-down that the top diplomats had "positive and constructive" talks and would "jointly implement the important consensus reached by" their respective leaders.

A receptive audience?

The key question that Wang and his delegation may be probing at Munich is how deeply Europe is listening to its broader pitch.

Beijing has long looked to promote its own vision for a world no longer dominated by US-led alliances and institutions – and more friendly to its own interests. And it sees Europe as an important pole that shouldn't readily side with the United States.

China is "a steadfast force for peace" and "a reliable force for stability," Wang's message at the gathering went, as he presented Xi's initiative to reshape global governance as the answer for the current moment.

But Beijing's message has a tough audience, as European leaders fret about a gaping trade deficit with China and the country's grip over strategic supply chains.

And ties have been strained in recent years overChina's backing of Russia as it wages war on Ukraine, and as European leaders have grown increasingly wary of Chinese military aggression in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, the self-governing democracy Beijing claims as its territory.

On Sunday, Taiwan's foreign minister Lin Chia-lung disputed Wang's positioning of China as a peaceful power, saying the country's recent "military provocations" fly in the face of UN principles. (China says its military drills defend its "national sovereignty," and Wang in his on-stage remarks in Munich accused some countries of "trying to split Taiwan from China" and framed Japan, not itself, as the regional threat.)

Despite the concerns, Beijing sees an opening as Western leaders recalibrate their foreign policy in the face of a shifting relationship with the US.

Already in recent months,a number of leaders of US-allied countries have visited Beijing, looking to deepen cooperation and dialogue with China as they face frictions with the US.

Ahead of the Munich event, organizers proclaimed that the US-led post-1945 international order is "now under destruction," with the US acting as the most powerful "wrecking ball."

Europeans may have breathed what the chairman of the conference referred to as "sigh of relief" after Rubio's speech, but Trump's threats last month to take control of Greenland – the territory of its NATO ally Denmark – are still echoing in European ears.

And Beijing hopes Europe at least will listen a little more closely to its own pitch.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

It was still a wrecking ball, albeit one wrapped in chocolate and warm fuzzies.

The febrile applauseUS Secretary of State Marco Rubioreceived at the Munich Security Conference whenhe saidthe US was Europe's "child" and their fates would always be "intertwined" belied his stark policy message. These were claps of relief and encouragement from a European audience bracing for a mauling like JD Vance's onslaught last year.

But Vance'sfalse accusations at last year's conference– that Europe is suppressing freedom of speech and democracy, and facing civilizational decline – are now enshrined inUS national security strategy. Rubio did not have to do much to sound friendly.

The United States is prepared to "rebuild" but only according to its values, Rubio said this year, while relentlessly evoking America's historical links to the continent. Those values include embracing Christianity and a shared cultural heritage, closing borders, and dropping climate crisis policies. The US needs to see a reformed Europe, he told decades-long allies – not justdetails of defense budgets, but a sea change in the continent's value system.

Europe and the US "belong together," he also said. But in this couples' therapy stage of an abusive relationship in decline, the message was clear: change or be dumped.

Conference organizers had warned that the world was in an era of "wrecking ball politics" that had left Europe on the sidelines, in a report published right before the conference. Now Rubio was telling liberal centrist foreign leaders that their entire outlook was wrong, echoing the far-right populist opponents who might well unseat them in upcoming elections.

The top US diplomat's speechwriters left no room forearlier arguments from key allieson the same Munich stage. A day prior, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said MAGA's culture wars were not ones Europe needed to fight. Emmanuel Macron equated territorial sovereignty with the rights of the French to police their own misinformation and democracy.

Two hours later, Ukraine's urgent plight – the defining security crisis of Europe's post-WW2 era - was passionately portrayed byPresident Volodymyr Zelensky, evoking the issue that should have been center stage breaking through the MAGA noise. A leader whose fourth appearance at the conference provided a startling reminder of Ukraine's boundless ability to survive and adapt to Russia's brutality, made the most powerful case at the summit for Europe having its own defense strategy.

Zelensky reminded the audience that everyUkrainian power plant had been hit, and that every kilometer Russia seized cost them 156 lives, by Ukraine's count. He spoke in English, in a tone that suggested he was less bothered about upsetting US President Donald Trump. He bemoaned the spirit of a peace process that seemed to put pressure for concessions on Ukraine – the four-year-long victim of an invasion – rather than on the aggressor Russia. He also mocked what Moscow has dubbed the "Anchorage spirit" – a term designed to suggest Putin and Trump made a secret deal when they met in Alaska last year.

As Zelensky spoke, video footage played on the wall behind him showing new Ukrainian technology taking outRussian drones– harsh reality contrasting with the policy wonkery in the room. He brought a purpose and urgency somewhat lacking in the beleaguered European leaders who preceded him.

It almost served to emphasize Rubio's point: Europe needs to shape up. His audience perhaps would prefer to replicate Ukraine's energy and resolve, rather than Hungary's.

Overall, European leaders' positive reception of Rubio's speech reflected how horrifically damaged the transatlantic relationship has been by the past year of turmoil over Ukraine, and month ofarson over Greenland.

The Danish territory got no mentions in the speech, as negotiations over its fate proceed slowly. Perhaps that sudden ellipsis – the vanishing of a crisis that nearly tore the alliance to shreds weeks earlier – was gift enough.

Rubio did mention Ukraine once in the questions that followed his speech and pandered to his audience's suspicions when he suggested the Trump administration still did not know whether Russia really wanted to make peace. (His boss, US President Donald Trump, has maintained that Putin wants to make a deal, and that Zelensky should cede diplomatic ground).

The Europe on show did not inspire. Rather, it seemed to lack the money to make good on its own ambitions, and be drowned out by internal political scandal, or the ticking clocks of leaderships coming to an end. Each year, Munich meets to hear European promises to do more. Each year, startling rises in defense spending seem nearer, but do not bring change.

At next year's Munich conference,British Prime Minster Keir Starmermay be gone, Macron's France will be facing presidential elections, and Trump will have had to weather the midterms. However these races go, it is likely transatlantic squabbling will soak up much of the oxygen. Ukraine can only hope that by that time, a sustainable and just peace has broken out – but more likely, it will have to argue to be heard over another episode in Europe and America's convoluted, bitter on-off estrangement.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

Grab your saddle and put on your riding boots — it's time to stampede into the Year of the Horse. Lunar New Year, widely considered the most important event of the year in China and Chinese communities around the planet, is nearly here.

Marking the first new moon of the lunar calendar, it falls on February 17 in 2026, kicking off the 15-daySpring Festival. Celebrations vary depending on the country or region, but there are a few common traditions.

Whether you're unfamiliar with the occasion or need a refresher, this guide to ushering in the Year of the Horse has you covered.

Why is it the Year of the Horse?

Incredibly complex, the Chinese zodiac calendar is best described as a 12-year cycle represented by 12 animals, in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Your personal zodiac animal sign is determined by youryear of birth, meaning 2026 will welcome plenty of baby Horses. Children born in the last lunar calendar year were Snakes, while those born on or after the Lunar New Year in 2027 will be Goats, and so on.

And every year, a heavenly stem (one of five elements, which fall into the yin or yang category) is paired with an earthly branch (one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals). This year, the heavenly stem is "Bing" (big sun) and the earthly branch is "Wu" (the Horse), making it the Year of the Fire Horse.

Followers believe that for each Chinese zodiac sign, luck will depend largely on the positions of theTai Sui— a collective name for the stellar deities thought to rotate parallel to and in the opposite direction of Jupiter.

Geomancy masters may interpret the data differently, but there is usually a consensus on what the year means for each zodiac animal based on the positions of the stars.

For many followers, the Lunar New Year is an ideal time to visit a temple to make blessings depending on what the stars have to say about their particular zodiac sign for the coming months.

Why light firecrackers and wear red? Meet Nian

There are countless folktales attached to Lunar New Year, but the myth ofNianstands out as one of the most fun.

According to the legend, every Lunar New Year's Eve this ferocious underwater beast with sharp teeth and horns would crawl onto the land and attack a nearby village.

On one such occasion, as the villagers rushed into hiding, a mysterious old man showed up and insisted on sticking around despite warnings of impending doom.

To the villagers' surprise, the old man and the village survived utterly unscathed.

The man claimed to have scared Nian away by hanging red banners on his door, lighting firecrackers and donning red clothing.

This is why wearing the fiery color, along with hanging banners and lighting firecrackers or fireworks, are Lunar New Year traditions, all of which are still followed today.

The preparation

Like many major holidays, Lunar New Year can be a lot of work. Festivities often last for 15 days — sometimes even more — with different tasks and activities taking place over that period.

It all begins about a week ahead of the new year.

To kick things off, festive cakes and puddings are made on the 24th day of the last lunar month (February 11 in 2026). Why? The word for cakes and puddings isgaoin Mandarin andgouin Cantonese, which sound the same as the word for "tall."

That means eating these treats is believed to lead to improvements and growth in the coming year. (If you haven't prepared your own "gou" yet, here'san easy recipe for radish cake, a beloved Lunar New Year dish.)

And don't forget about our friend Nian. No Lunar New Year preparation would be complete without the hanging of red banners bearing auspicious phrases and idioms (calledfai chunin Cantonese andchunlianin Mandarin) at home — beginning with one's front door.

These will perform double duty — keep Nian away and invite good fortune.

Some of the prep work isn't quite as enjoyable. Many believe that a big cleanup should take place at home on the 28th day of the last lunar month, which falls on February 15 this year.

The aim is to rid your home of any bad luck that's accumulated over the past year. Some believers won't even sweep or take out the trash for the first five days of the new year, fearing they will wash away all that fresh good luck.

On a related note, many say you shouldn't wash or cut your hair on the first day of the new year either.

Why? Because the Chinese character for the word hair is the first character in the word for prosper. So washing or cutting it off is seen as washing your fortune away.

Advertisement

(Read moreLunar New Year do's and don'ts here.)

Lunar New Year's Eve: The big feast

A big family reunion dinner is usually held on Lunar New Year's Eve, which falls on February 16 this year.

The menu is carefully chosen to include dishes associated with luck, including fish (the Chinese word for it also sounds like "surplus"), puddings (symbolizes advancement) and foods that look like gold ingots (such as dumplings).

In China, the foods served at these classic dinners vary depending on the region. For instance, in some northern areas people tend to serve dumplings and noodles, whereas the south can't live without steamed rice.

Lunar New Year feasts may look very different outside of China. In Malaysia and Singapore, gatherings aren't complete without a loud and chaotic"prosperity toss," oryusheng,when diners stir and toss thinly sliced vegetables and raw fish with chopsticks before a meal.

Lunar New Year's Day: Family visits and red packets

The first few days of the Lunar New Year, especially the first two days, are often a test of one's stamina, appetite and social skills, as many people have to travel and visit immediate family, other relatives and friends.

Bags are stocked with presents and fruits to give out at people's homes. Visitors will be showered with gifts after catching up over Lunar New Year treats.

In many families, married people are expected to give out red packets filled with money to those who haven't yet tied the knot — both children and unmarried juniors.

It's believed these envelopes — known ashongbao/lai see— can protect children by warding off evil spirits, calledsui.

Other countries have their own traditions. In South Korea, for instance, the Lunar New Year festival is calledSeollal. The first three days are filled with tributes to ancestors, festive games and foods such as rice cakes (tteokguk) and pancakes (jeon).

Day 3: Visit a temple

Day three of the Lunar New Year, which falls on February 19, is namedchi kou/cek hau, or red mouth.

It's believed that arguments are more likely to happen on this day, so some people will avoid social interactions and visit temples to make offerings to offset any potential bad luck.

As noted earlier, for many peopleLunar New Yearis a time to consult the stars to find out what lies ahead in the coming months.

Every year, certain Chinese zodiac signs clash with the stars negatively, so temple visits are considered a good way to resolve those conflicts and bring peace in the coming months.

Day 7: The people's birthday

The seventh day of the Lunar New Year (February 23) is when followers believe the Chinese mother goddess,Nuwa, created humanity. Thus, it's calledrenri/jan jat(the people's birthday).

Different communities in Asia will serve various "birthday" foods on that day.

For example, Cantonese people eat dishes made of seven types of vegetables. In Malaysia and Singapore, the aforementioned "prosperity toss" might make an appearance on tables.

Day 15: The Lantern Festival

The highlight of the whole Spring Festival, theLantern Festivalhappens on the 15th and final day (March 3 in 2026).

CalledYuan Xiao Jiein Mandarin Chinese, it's considered the perfect ending to the weeks-long Lunar New Year preparations and celebrations.

The Lantern Festival celebrates the first full moon of the year — hence the name:Yuanmeans beginning;Xiaomeans night.

It marks the departure of winter and the beginning of the spring season.

On this day, people light lanterns to symbolize driving out darkness and bringing hope to the coming year.

In ancient Chinese society, it was the only day when young girls were allowed to go out to admire the lanterns and meet boys. As a result, it's also been dubbed Chinese Valentine's Day.

Nowadays, cities worldwide still put on massive lantern displays and fairs on the festival's final day.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

CAIRO (AP) — Observant Muslims the world over will soon be united in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan starts. For Muslims, it's a time for increased worship, religious reflection and charity. Socially, it often brings families and friends together in festive gatherings around meals to break their fast.

Ramadan Explainer

Ramadan is followed by the Islamic holiday ofEid al-Fitr.

First day of Ramadan expected around Feb. 18-19

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the month cycles through the seasons.

The start of the month traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, the first day of Ramadan is expected to be on or around Feb. 18 or 19. The actual start date may vary among countries and Muslim communities due to declarations by multiple Islamic authorities around the globe on whether the crescent had been sighted or different methodologies used to determine the beginning of the month.

This year, the start of Ramadan is expected around the same time as Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Lent, the most penitential season of the church calendar for Catholics and many other Christians.

Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving and pilgrimage.

Muslims see various meanings and lessons in observing the fast.

It's regarded as an act of worship to attain piety and one of submission to God. The devout see benefits, including practicing self-restraint, cultivating gratitude and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry.

The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink — not even a sip of water is allowed — from dawn to sunset, before breaking the fast in a meal known as "iftar" in Arabic.

Muslims typically stream into mosques for congregational prayers and dedicate more time to religious contemplation and the reading of the Quran, the Muslim holy book.

Charity is a hallmark of Ramadan. Among other ways of giving, many seek to provide iftar for those in need, distributing Ramadan boxes filled with pantry staples, handing out warm meals alongside such things as dates and juice or helping hold free communal meals.

Muslims eat a predawn meal, called "suhoor," to hydrate andnurture their bodiesahead of the daily fast.

Exemptions from fasting

There are certain exemptions, such as for those who are unable to because of illness or travel. Those unable to fast due to being temporarily ill or traveling need to make up for the missed days of fasting later.

Advertisement

Cultural and social traditions associated with Ramadan

Muslims are ethnically and racially diverse and not all Ramadan traditions are rooted in religion. Some customs may transcend borders, while others can differ across cultures.

Many social rituals center on gathering and socializing after the daily fast. Some Muslims decorate their homes, put out Ramadan-themed tableware and centerpieces or throng to markets and Ramadan bazaars.

In Egypt, Ramadan is typically a festive time. Colorful lanterns, in different shapes and sizes, dangle from children's hands and adorn homes. Ramadan songs may be played to welcome the month.

Ramadan's soundscape in Egypt has traditionally included the predawn banging on drums by a "mesaharati" who roams neighborhoods, calling out to the faithful, sometimes by name, to wake them up for the suhoor meal.

New TV shows and communal meals

A lineup of new television series is another social fixture of the month in some countries, and advertisers compete for viewers' attention.

In various regions, some Muslims worry that the month is getting commercialized, and say an emphasis on decorations, TV shows, outings or lavish iftar banquets can detract from Ramadan's religious essence. Others say that a balance can be struck and that, in moderation, such rituals are part of the month's festive spirit.

In Indonesia, Ramadan rituals vary across regions, reflecting the diversity of cultures. In deeply conservative Aceh province, animals are slaughtered during Meugang festivities, the meat cooked and shared with family, friends, poor people and orphans.

Hundreds of residents in Tangerang, a city outside the capital, Jakarta, flock to the Cisadane River to wash their hair with rice straw shampoo and welcome the fasting month with a symbolic spiritual cleansing.

Across the island of Sumatra, after evening prayers, many boys and girls parade through the streets, carrying torches and playing Islamic songs.

In the United States, where Muslims make up a racially and ethnically diverse minority, gathering at mosques and Islamic centers when possible for iftar meals and prayers provides many Muslim families with a sense of community. Some Muslims also organize or attend interfaith iftar meals.

Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP'scollaborationwith The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

It was still a wrecking ball, albeit one wrapped in chocolate and warm fuzzies.

The febrile applauseUS Secretary of State Marco Rubioreceived at the Munich Security Conference whenhe saidthe US was Europe's "child" and their fates would always be "intertwined" belied his stark policy message. These were claps of relief and encouragement from a European audience bracing for a mauling like JD Vance's onslaught last year.

But Vance'sfalse accusations at last year's conference– that Europe is suppressing freedom of speech and democracy, and facing civilizational decline – are now enshrined inUS national security strategy. Rubio did not have to do much to sound friendly.

The United States is prepared to "rebuild" but only according to its values, Rubio said this year, while relentlessly evoking America's historical links to the continent. Those values include embracing Christianity and a shared cultural heritage, closing borders, and dropping climate crisis policies. The US needs to see a reformed Europe, he told decades-long allies – not justdetails of defense budgets, but a sea change in the continent's value system.

Europe and the US "belong together," he also said. But in this couples' therapy stage of an abusive relationship in decline, the message was clear: change or be dumped.

Conference organizers had warned that the world was in an era of "wrecking ball politics" that had left Europe on the sidelines, in a report published right before the conference. Now Rubio was telling liberal centrist foreign leaders that their entire outlook was wrong, echoing the far-right populist opponents who might well unseat them in upcoming elections.

The top US diplomat's speechwriters left no room forearlier arguments from key allieson the same Munich stage. A day prior, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said MAGA's culture wars were not ones Europe needed to fight. Emmanuel Macron equated territorial sovereignty with the rights of the French to police their own misinformation and democracy.

Two hours later, Ukraine's urgent plight – the defining security crisis of Europe's post-WW2 era - was passionately portrayed byPresident Volodymyr Zelensky, evoking the issue that should have been center stage breaking through the MAGA noise. A leader whose fourth appearance at the conference provided a startling reminder of Ukraine's boundless ability to survive and adapt to Russia's brutality, made the most powerful case at the summit for Europe having its own defense strategy.

Advertisement

Zelensky reminded the audience that everyUkrainian power plant had been hit, and that every kilometer Russia seized cost them 156 lives, by Ukraine's count. He spoke in English, in a tone that suggested he was less bothered about upsetting US President Donald Trump. He bemoaned the spirit of a peace process that seemed to put pressure for concessions on Ukraine – the four-year-long victim of an invasion – rather than on the aggressor Russia. He also mocked what Moscow has dubbed the "Anchorage spirit" – a term designed to suggest Putin and Trump made a secret deal when they met in Alaska last year.

As Zelensky spoke, video footage played on the wall behind him showing new Ukrainian technology taking outRussian drones– harsh reality contrasting with the policy wonkery in the room. He brought a purpose and urgency somewhat lacking in the beleaguered European leaders who preceded him.

It almost served to emphasize Rubio's point: Europe needs to shape up. His audience perhaps would prefer to replicate Ukraine's energy and resolve, rather than Hungary's.

Overall, European leaders' positive reception of Rubio's speech reflected how horrifically damaged the transatlantic relationship has been by the past year of turmoil over Ukraine, and month ofarson over Greenland.

The Danish territory got no mentions in the speech, as negotiations over its fate proceed slowly. Perhaps that sudden ellipsis – the vanishing of a crisis that nearly tore the alliance to shreds weeks earlier – was gift enough.

Rubio did mention Ukraine once in the questions that followed his speech and pandered to his audience's suspicions when he suggested the Trump administration still did not know whether Russia really wanted to make peace. (His boss, US President Donald Trump, has maintained that Putin wants to make a deal, and that Zelensky should cede diplomatic ground).

The Europe on show did not inspire. Rather, it seemed to lack the money to make good on its own ambitions, and be drowned out by internal political scandal, or the ticking clocks of leaderships coming to an end. Each year, Munich meets to hear European promises to do more. Each year, startling rises in defense spending seem nearer, but do not bring change.

At next year's Munich conference,British Prime Minster Keir Starmermay be gone, Macron's France will be facing presidential elections, and Trump will have had to weather the midterms. However these races go, it is likely transatlantic squabbling will soak up much of the oxygen. Ukraine can only hope that by that time, a sustainable and just peace has broken out – but more likely, it will have to argue to be heard over another episode in Europe and America's convoluted, bitter on-off estrangement.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

CAIRO (AP) — Observant Muslims the world over will soon be united in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan starts. For Muslims, it's a time for increased worship, religious reflection and charity. Socially, it often brings families and friends together in festive gatherings around meals to break their fast.

Ramadan is followed by the Islamic holiday ofEid al-Fitr.

First day of Ramadan expected around Feb. 18-19

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the month cycles through the seasons.

The start of the month traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, the first day of Ramadan is expected to be on or around Feb. 18 or 19. The actual start date may vary among countries and Muslim communities due to declarations by multiple Islamic authorities around the globe on whether the crescent had been sighted or different methodologies used to determine the beginning of the month.

This year, the start of Ramadan is expected around the same time as Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Lent, the most penitential season of the church calendar for Catholics and many other Christians.

Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving and pilgrimage.

Muslims see various meanings and lessons in observing the fast.

It's regarded as an act of worship to attain piety and one of submission to God. The devout see benefits, including practicing self-restraint, cultivating gratitude and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry.

The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink — not even a sip of water is allowed — from dawn to sunset, before breaking the fast in a meal known as "iftar" in Arabic.

Muslims typically stream into mosques for congregational prayers and dedicate more time to religious contemplation and the reading of the Quran, the Muslim holy book.

Charity is a hallmark of Ramadan. Among other ways of giving, many seek to provide iftar for those in need, distributing Ramadan boxes filled with pantry staples, handing out warm meals alongside such things as dates and juice or helping hold free communal meals.

Muslims eat a predawn meal, called "suhoor," to hydrate andnurture their bodiesahead of the daily fast.

Exemptions from fasting

There are certain exemptions, such as for those who are unable to because of illness or travel. Those unable to fast due to being temporarily ill or traveling need to make up for the missed days of fasting later.

Cultural and social traditions associated with Ramadan

Muslims are ethnically and racially diverse and not all Ramadan traditions are rooted in religion. Some customs may transcend borders, while others can differ across cultures.

Many social rituals center on gathering and socializing after the daily fast. Some Muslims decorate their homes, put out Ramadan-themed tableware and centerpieces or throng to markets and Ramadan bazaars.

In Egypt, Ramadan is typically a festive time. Colorful lanterns, in different shapes and sizes, dangle from children's hands and adorn homes. Ramadan songs may be played to welcome the month.

Ramadan's soundscape in Egypt has traditionally included the predawn banging on drums by a "mesaharati" who roams neighborhoods, calling out to the faithful, sometimes by name, to wake them up for the suhoor meal.

New TV shows and communal meals

A lineup of new television series is another social fixture of the month in some countries, and advertisers compete for viewers' attention.

In various regions, some Muslims worry that the month is getting commercialized, and say an emphasis on decorations, TV shows, outings or lavish iftar banquets can detract from Ramadan's religious essence. Others say that a balance can be struck and that, in moderation, such rituals are part of the month's festive spirit.

In Indonesia, Ramadan rituals vary across regions, reflecting the diversity of cultures. In deeply conservative Aceh province, animals are slaughtered during Meugang festivities, the meat cooked and shared with family, friends, poor people and orphans.

Hundreds of residents in Tangerang, a city outside the capital, Jakarta, flock to the Cisadane River to wash their hair with rice straw shampoo and welcome the fasting month with a symbolic spiritual cleansing.

Across the island of Sumatra, after evening prayers, many boys and girls parade through the streets, carrying torches and playing Islamic songs.

In the United States, where Muslims make up a racially and ethnically diverse minority, gathering at mosques and Islamic centers when possible for iftar meals and prayers provides many Muslim families with a sense of community. Some Muslims also organize or attend interfaith iftar meals.

Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP'scollaborationwith The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.