Kung Hei Fat Choi

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Chinese have their own calendar (based on the Gregorian Calendar) which has been in used for centuries. Unlike the calendar that we use, Chinese New Year don't have an exact specific date each year. The Chinese calendar is based on astronomical observations and in their calendar the New Year falls on the second New Moon after the winter solstice. For 2012, today marks the New Year on the Chinese calendar - The Year of the Dragon. Chinese use the lunar calendar to reckon the months and every month starts on the darkest day. The first day of the month is the traditional and usual beginning of the New Year festivities and it continues until the moon is brightest. In China, New Year is the longest and most important celebration of the year in which people takes weeks off from work in preparation and celebration of the New Year. Why are animals used in Chinese New Year Legend has it that Buddha required all animals to meet him and only twelve came on Chinese New Year. With this, Buddha named a year for every animal that met him. He also said that all those who will be born in each animal's year will acquire the traits and personality of the animal hence the Chinese horoscope. Those who were born in the dragon years are said to be passionate, innovative, and brave. New Year Festivities Chinese New Year is celebrated with fireworks, lantern festival, and dancing dragons. Red is the color of the Chinese New Year since the color red symbolizes fire. All the mentioned activities have the fire element which is believed to drive away bad luck and evil.