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Lunar New Year

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  1. Lunar New Year (also called “Chinese New Year” and “Spring Festival” ) is the biggest and most important holiday of the year in some parts of Asia. It is actually two celebrations in one. Lunar New Year is the beginning of the lunar year and the beginning of spring. It is also the most important time of the year for families to get together. Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, and Korea. Each region has its own customs.
  2. Lunar New Year does not have a fixed date on the Western calendar because it is based on the lunar calendar. It always falls between January 20 and February 21. Each year, the Chinese calendar is represented by one of 12 animals from the Chinese zodiac. The signs include animals such as the ox, the rabbit, the snake, and the horse. For example, 1998 was the year of the Tiger. 2010 was also the year of the Tiger. The Chinese believe that people share the characteristics of the animal that represents the year of their birth. All of the animals are associated with different characteristics. Two people who are born in the year of the Rooster are thought to be similar.
  3. There are many traditional activities associated with Lunar New Year, and many of these symbolize new life and new beginnings. Many are also related to the idea of good luck. Chinese people sweep and clean their houses before New Year’s Day and then put away their brooms so good fortune will not be swept away. They pay off their debts because it is bad luck to begin the new year if you owe money. It is also important to settle old arguments. Buying new clothing and shoes is another Chinese custom. They believe that bad luck will come to those who step on the ground in old shoes on New Year’s morning. Some Koreans hide their shoes on Lunar New Year’s Eve because of a belief in a shoe-stealing ghost that brings bad luck.
  4. The color red is seen everywhere on Lunar New Year because it represents fire, which can drive away bad luck, according to legend. Yellow (or gold) is also an important color at this time. It represents wealth and good fortune. Decorating the home in these colors is a common custom.
  5. Exchanging gifts is another important custom. Chinese children receive red envelopes containing “lucky money.” Their traditional New Year’s greeting is “Kung Hei Fat Choi,” which means “I wish you a prosperous New Year.” Young Koreans bow deeply to their elders in a special ceremony to wish them good luck. In return, they receive money gifts in silk bags or envelopes.
  6. Food is a very important part of all Lunar New Year celebrations. Families and friends get together for large feasts, and many of the foods that are eaten have special meanings. Fish is eaten to ensure long life and good fortune. Red dates bring prosperity, lotus and melon seeds will bring many children, and oranges symbolize wealth. Ancestors are remembered with offerings of food. In Vietnam, there is a special tray of five different fruits placed on the family altar. Guests also receive candied fruits as a welcome. The first visitor determines the family’s fortune for the year.
  7. The dragon and the lion are other popular symbols of Lunar New Year. Many Chinese communities around the world celebrate with dragon and lion dances and parades through the streets with people dressed in brightly colored costumes. Of course, a Lunar New Year celebration would not be complete without loud and colorful fireworks.
  8. In many communities, the new year is celebrated as an official holiday for three or four days. In China, the celebrations often continue until the Festival of Lanterns, which is on the 15th day of Lunar New Year.
  9. Chinese Zodiac Characteristics
  10. Horse
  11. lots of energy, popular, like large crowds, want freedom, like to travel
  12. Sheep
  13. creative, imaginative, artistic, often shy and usually religious
  14. Monkey
  15. like to have fun, like a lot of stimulation, skillful, have good memories
  16. Rooster
  17. tell the truth, quick thinkers, like traditional things, like to keep busy
  18. Dog
  19. physically active, honest, very faithful, excellent at business
  20. Pig
  21. intelligent, have good manners, enjoy learning, enjoy helping others, sometimes wasteful
  22. Rat
  23. hard-working, clever, charming, have big ambitions, usually successful, loyal to people who are close to them
  24. Ox
  25. patient, calm, trustworthy, easygoing, do not speak a lot, but when they do, they speak very well
  26. Tiger
  27. courageous, proud, powerful, natural leaders, well-respected, sometimes cannot make up their minds
  28. Rabbit
  29. gentle, shy, sensitive, kind, love to entertain, love to gossip, often lucky with money
  30. Dragon
  31. healthy, powerful, brave, lots of energy, like to be leaders
  32. Snake
  33. generous, try to help others who are less fortunate

Source: ellii.com

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