Chinese New Year is the most important festivity for the Chinese people.It is also called the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year.
Every year has an animal’s name.These animals are the rat,ox,tiger,rabbit,dragon,snake,horse,ram,monkey,rooster,dog and pig.The Chinese believe that a person born in a particular year has some of the characteristics of animal.
On Chinese New Year’s Eve all family members enjoy a big,delicious meal.It is very important for the Chinese to be with their families on this occasion.Fish is always part of the dinner because it represents abundance.
On New Year’s Day all Chinese children wear new clothes with bright colors.Red is considered a lucky color.Parents and relatives give children the traditional New Year’s gift called lucky money.This money is put into bright red and gold envelopes.Fill under the pillow in the morning of new year ,the kid wakes up to see the “lucky money”,express that oneself become one year older.Red is a traditional color for festivals,celebrations,weddings and birthdays.
The dragon is the most important figure of the Chinese New Year festivities and parades.The dragon is considered a lucky figure.A parade dragon can be 20 to 30 meters long!Sixty or more men move under a long cloth that represents the dragon’s tail.
During the parade children represent the animals of the Chinese calendar.There are also acrobats and musicians in beautiful costumes.
Happy New Year!
