新年快乐

Happy New Year (SixthAndMain)

 
Chinese New Year is the longest and most important event in the Chinese calendar. Scheduled according to the lunar calendar, celebrations of the year 4710 began on 23 January. We're fascinated by New Year traditions and beliefs so decided to share a little background with you.


In preparation for festivities, families thoroughly clean their homes to sweep away misfortune and bad luck from the departing year. Flowers, fruit and paper lantern decorations symbolise wealth and health. Friends and families wish each other a year of prosperity, Gung Hay Fat Choy, by handing out red envelopes containing money. The amount is most often an even digit and does not contain the number 4. In America, $8 is a common gift as 8 is a lucky number.

Gung Hay Fat Choy (SixthAndMain)

 
2012, or 4710, is the Year of the Dragon. Occupying the fifth position in the Chinese Zodiac, it is considered the mightiest and luckiest of the signs. Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. He named a year after the twelve that arrived, announcing that people born in each would have some of their personality traits. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be ambitious, passionate, enthusiastic and successful. To find out which Year of the Chinese Zodiac you are, visit www.chinesezodiac.com.

Year of the Dragon (SixthAndMain)

Festivities end on 6 February - the 15th day of the New Year, also known as the Lantern Festival. Candles are lit outside homes and families walk through the streets with lanterns to guide wayward spirits home. To make your own, a great paper lantern template can be found at http://www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/make-paper-lanterns.html.