Saturday, January 28, 2006

Chinese New Year


Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
On January 29, the Chinese will be welcoming a new year!
So, what is it? Well, the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is a period of celebrations. It begins on the 1st day of the Chinese calendar (the day of the 2nd new moon after winter soltice), and ends with the Lantern Festival (15 days later). This year will be the Year of the Dog (Xu). Tradition has it that, before the new year arrives, Chinese homes are thoroughly cleaned to "sweep away" any bad luck and welcome the good luck entering their homes. The day before all brooms & dust pans are put away so that the good luck does not get swept away. Some will even paint doors & windowpanes red. Homes will be decorated with Chinese phrases of "happiness," "wealth," and "longevity."
新年快樂 - Happy New Year
恭喜發財 - Congratulations & Be Prosperous

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