The most important holiday for the Chinese is Chinese New Year. While celebrations occur throughout the year which I have touched on earlier, none are as prominent as this celebration, also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival.
The date of Chinese New Year falls on the first day of the first lunar month, typically anywhere between January 21 and February 20. The Chinese calendar runs on a twelve year cycle of the animal zodiac, with each year dedicated to a different animal. The celebration lasts for fourteen days, ending on the fifteenth day of the Lantern Festival.
For the coming year Chinese New Year will fall on Feb. 7, 2008. As 2007 was laced with sightings of pigs for Year of the Pig, 2008 serves as the Year of the Rat. I wonder how many rodents will be racing around the street.
Chinese New Year is a family affair. Time is spent with the elderly of the family and paying respect to the ancestors. Ancestors who have sense passed are looked at with great respect because they are considered the members of the family who laid down the groundwork of fortune and good luck in the family. On New Year's Eve, a communal dinner between the living and the spirits of the ancestors will take place to celebrate as one community. This is known as "surrounding the stove."
Though Chinese New Year is still two months away, it is never to early to consider plans and events for the celebration. Red envelopes will be distributed, lavish foods will be eaten, and quality time with loved ones will be spent. How will you celebrate the occasion?
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