It’s a very traditional and festive holiday not only in China but also in Chinatowns all over the world, including New York, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, London and more.The US post office has created this stamp to commemorate the holiday this year.
photo from US Postal Service
The date is based on the Chinese calendar. Traditionally from the last day of the year to the 15th day of the first month! What a celebration! This year it starts on January 31st.
2014 is the year of the horse.
Dragon dances and street fairs are very popular.
It’s also a popular time to do a real good cleaning in the house. We call this SPRING CLEANING.
Children receive red envelops with money inside as gifts. The amount of money must be an even number (2, 4, 6, 8 etc.) But it must NOT be divisible by 4 (4, 8, 12, 16 etc.) The number 4 means death in Chinese.
To make sure you don’t have debts and money problems during the year, the Chinese believe that you should pay any money you owe family and friends before the New Year.
On the last day of Chinese New Year, people go out with red paper lanterns. It’s called Lantern Day and it is supposed to light the way for the New Year.
photo from TIME OUT
Have you ever had the chance to go to a Chinatown or China for the New Year celebrations? Can you share some more fun facts about the Chinese New Year?
