农历新年，年年不同

　　Chinese New Year falls on a different date every year. Chinese calendar is a combination of solar and lunar calendar. Chinese New Year falls on second new moon after the winter solstice(冬至). Chinese calendar has a 12 year cycle and each year is named afteranimal. Chinese believe that every person resembles an animal and thisreflects their traits. Year 2006 was the Year of the Dog. People born on this date are said to be very loyal and trustworthy。

       Chinese New Year Celebrations

       新年找乐，日日不同

　　Lot of excitement can be seen in the last 15 days of New Year celebrations. Every day has a special importance to it. Chinese ritualize and celebrate each day in a customary manner. Given below are the line wise celebrations of the New Year in China:

       年初一：祭拜天地

　　Day1: People began their day by offering prayers and welcome the gods of heaven and earth. Most of the people stay away from meat to ensurehealthy living。

       年初二：狗狗过生日

　　Day 2:Successively, prayers are offer to their ancestors and other gods.Chinese are strict care-taker of dogs and feed them well. The day is considered to be the birthday of all dogs。

       初三初四：走亲访友，媳妇回娘家

　　Day3 and 4: These are very important days for the families to keep uptheir relations. It calls for every son-in-law to pay respect to theirparents-in-law。

      年初五：“破五”祭财神

　　Day5: According to the traditions, nobody visits friends and relativeshouses as it would bring bad omen. They stay back home to worship theGod of wealth. The day is called Po Woo。

Report By Elaine