About Chinese New Year

January: make New Year's Resolution. February: Break New Year's Resolution. It's tradition! But all is not lost, as you could simply re-make your resolution during the Chinese New Year, which is usually the first Ethnic festival of the year.

In 2012, Chinese New Year will begin on 23rd January. The festival is also known as The Spring Festival and being the largest celebration in China, is celebrated by almost one fifth of the world's population.

While the true origins of Chinese New Year have been lost in time, possible accounts of the origin of the festival are buried deep in mythology. According to one legend, a mythical beast called Nien plagued China many centuries ago. It would attack villages and inhabitants at the start of the New Year, causing them to flee. However, one year a wise old man appeared in front of the beast wearing a red robe, and lit firecrackers all around. This scared away the Nien for good, and so it is that firecrackers and the colour red are so prominent during this festival.

There are many customs followed during the Chinese New Year. Houses are spring cleaned before the start of the New Year to "sweep away the bad luck". The festival itself lasts for 15 days, with each day holding its own significance: the first day is for family reunions, fireworks and the giving of red envelopes containing money to junior members of the family; the 15th day culminates in a lantern parade.

Chinese New Years follow a 12 year cycle (the Chinese Zodiac) with each year associated by an Animal. The animal for the year you were born in (Chinese Year, not Gregorian year!) represents your personality traits in Chinese Astrology. 2012 is the Year of the Dragon.

Further reading:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/events/chinesenewyear/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year
http://www.topmarks.co.uk/chinesenewyear/chinesenewyear.aspx