Chinese new year
The year of the sheep begins tomorrow, with feasting and the traditional lion dance. Read our web guide to an auspicious beginning.
1. The Chinese new year begins on Saturday and this year is the year of the sheep.
2. Chinese new year follows the lunar calendar and can be traced back to the 14th century BC. It falls on a different day each year.
3. Celebrations start with the new moon on the first day of the new year and end 15 days later with the full moon.
4. We all have a Chinese zodiac sign depending on our birth year. The Chinese believe this has a profound influence on our personality.
5. A vast amount of special food is prepared at new year for family, friends and also those who have died. A communal feast takes place on new year's eve called surrounding the stove (or weilu), which symbolises family unity and honours past and present generations.
6. The Chinese are very superstitious and begin making preparations for new year many weeks in advance.
7. The lion dance is one of the most spectacular events during the new year celebrations. It parades through the streets bringing good luck to every household or business it visits. The lion is accompanied by loud music, which is meant to dispel evil according to the legend of Nian.
8. China has a huge divide between rich and poor meaning that some people are unable to travel home for new year.
9. Fortune cookies are also opened during the festivities and contain messages of luck. You can buy them made to order in the colour and flavour of your choice or send a virtual cookie to your friends.
10. Celebrations will also be taking place across the UK this weekend.
2. Chinese new year follows the lunar calendar and can be traced back to the 14th century BC. It falls on a different day each year.
3. Celebrations start with the new moon on the first day of the new year and end 15 days later with the full moon.
4. We all have a Chinese zodiac sign depending on our birth year. The Chinese believe this has a profound influence on our personality.
5. A vast amount of special food is prepared at new year for family, friends and also those who have died. A communal feast takes place on new year's eve called surrounding the stove (or weilu), which symbolises family unity and honours past and present generations.
6. The Chinese are very superstitious and begin making preparations for new year many weeks in advance.
7. The lion dance is one of the most spectacular events during the new year celebrations. It parades through the streets bringing good luck to every household or business it visits. The lion is accompanied by loud music, which is meant to dispel evil according to the legend of Nian.
8. China has a huge divide between rich and poor meaning that some people are unable to travel home for new year.
9. Fortune cookies are also opened during the festivities and contain messages of luck. You can buy them made to order in the colour and flavour of your choice or send a virtual cookie to your friends.
10. Celebrations will also be taking place across the UK this weekend.
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