Chinese New Year is “the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth.” The reason why Chinese New Year falls on different days each year ranging from mid-January to mid-February, is because it is based on the cycle of the Moon. The New Year day falls on the New Moon, and is also called the “Spring Festival”. It is celebrated by the family getting together for a traditional meal where preparations often begin days in advanced. The types of food consumed on this day varies from region to region, but often it is vegetarian.

Traditions & Superstitions:
	•  Money wrapped in red envelopes is given to the children for ‘good luck’.
	•  The tradition of setting off firecrackers symbolizes seeing out the past year and welcoming in the New Year.
	•  It is believed you should not sweep or dust on New Years day because one does not want to ‘sweep away’ your good fortune.
2008 is Year of the Earth Rat (7 February 2008 - 25 January 2009) You can find out more about your chinese zodiac sign in this uniquely blended Western & Chinese Astrology Report.