Chinese New Year

Unlike the United States where New Year’s is celebrated on the same day every year, the Chinese celebrate their New Year based on the first day of the first lunar month, which happens to change year to year. This year that day falls on January 26th. Not only is the Chinese New Year celebrated for a full 15 days, but the days before, as well, are spent preparing for the holiday.

Since the holiday is a time for relatives near and far to come together, families prepare by cleaning their houses in a way to wash away bad luck from the previous year and make room for the good luck that they believe is coming. During the 15 days festival, the Chinese have elaborate parties in which they celebrate through fireworks and noisemakers as well as decorating themselves in the color red, red t-shirts work great, which symbolically reminds them of the myth about the monster Nian.

It’s the year of the Ox so show your admiration for this holiday with some strong celebrations and have a happy and healthy new year!