Events
China has begun celebrating the New Year, which this year is celebrated on January 23.
Chinese New Year 2012, also known as the Spring Festival, will mark the beginning of the Year of the Water Dragon. The Spring Festival marks the beginning of a new life and the season of plowing and sowing. It is the most important and longest festival in China, with a large number of fireworks and celebrations in China and around the world.
Traditionally, celebrations begin with Dragon Dance and Lion Dance, during which loud drums and deafening cymbals are heard, and lion and dragon masks scare away evil spirits.
During the second week, the Lantern Festival takes place on the 15th day of the lunar month. People hang glowing lanterns in their windows and carry lanterns under the full moon.
Chinese New Year is the oldest holiday in China and has many traditions. Before the celebrations begin, the Chinese clean the house thoroughly to sweep away bad luck. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, dustpans and brushes are removed so that good luck does not leave the house.
Chinese New Year celebrations begin on the first day of the lunar month and continue until day 15, when the moon is brightest. During the first week, it is customary to visit relatives and friends, following special traditions that bring good luck. Houses are decorated with scrolls of paper with phrases that bring good luck, happiness and prosperity. People wear red clothes from head to toe, as this color scares away evil spirits. Children traditionally leave red envelopes with money and sweets under their pillows.
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, this is the year of the Water Dragon. Chinese dragons are promising creatures that symbolize strength, power, and good fortune. Historically, the dragon was a symbol of the Chinese Emperor, and in the zodiac system, the dragon years are the most successful years for having children.