Tomorrow is
the Chinese New Year. The Chinese Zodiac runs on a cycle of twelve years, with
each year named after an animal. This year is the Year of the Dog, which is
seen as a symbol of loyalty and honesty, and people are said to have similar
qualities to the animal of the year they are born in. Chinese New Year falls on
a different day each year as it follows the Chinese lunar calendar, meaning
that it falls on the first day of the new moon. The colour red is an important
part of Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolising good luck and prosperity, so
red decorations and lanterns are displayed in homes and streets. Another
tradition includes sweeping the house to get rid of evil spirits, before
putting brooms away on Chinese New Year’s Day so as not to accidentally sweep
away good luck as well!
However you
are celebrating Chinese New Year, xin nian kuai le (happy new year)!
