Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is celebrated on the day of the first new moon in the new year, according to the lunar calendar. It's a time for visiting family and friends, eating traditional feasts and remembering the family's ancestors.
In Chinese tradition, every corner of the house must be swept in preparation for the New Year, and homes are decorated with fruit, flowers and short poems expressing good wishes written on scrolls of red paper.
Food is prepared ahead of the celebrations and all sharp implements like knives and scissors are put away so they don't 'cut the luck' of the New Year. On the New Year's day itself, the children are given money in red envelopes, and people exchange gifts, watch shows and displays, and set off fireworks to drive away the evil spirits.
On the day of the next full moon – 15 days into New Year – there are street parades with everyone carrying lanterns and the young men dance with a huge dragon made of bamboo, silk and paper.
Happy New Year!
