Today, Monday 23 January 2012, is the start of the Chinese New Year, so how is it celebrated and what are its traditions?

Over a sixth of the world’s population mark Chinese New Year, the main Chinese festival which lasts for fifteen days. It’s not a religious event, but rather a time when families join together to celebrate. 

The Chinese use the Lunar calendar which works on a cycle of twelve years, each being named after an animal. 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, the only mythical creature to feature and reputedly, the luckiest of all.

Most Chinese people sweep out any ill fortune from the previous year by thoroughly cleaning their houses and then festooning them with lights and red and gold decorations. Gold is the colour of wealth and red the colour of good luck. Red has the added bonus of scaring off the beast Nian who, according to tradition,  comes on the first day of the New Year to eat livestock, crops and especially children. Disaster can be averted by putting food outside the door for it and setting off firecrackers to frighten it away.

Red envelopes containing money are commonly given to children and teenagers, and businesses also give employees bonuses in red envelopes to symbolize wealth and good luck.

The Chinese often mark the New Year with a new haircut, clothes and/or shoes to act as a reminder that it’s a time to forget old grudges and start anew with heartfelt best wishes for everyone. And so say all of us – may the Chinese New Year bring you luck, prosperity and very good health.