2008 is the Year of the
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Why does the date of the Chinese New Year change every year? The Chinese use the Lunar calendar for their festivals. The Lunar calendar is based on the time the moon takes to go around the Earth. (The Western calendar is based on the time it takes for the Earth to go around the Sun.) The first day of each Chinese year will always fall sometime between January 21 and February 21, inclusive, and takes place at sunset on the day of the second New Moon following the winter solstice (21 or 22 December). |
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How long do the New Year celebrations last for?
Chinese New Year celebrations last two weeks
and end with Teng Chieh, the lantern festival,
on the full moon about 15 days later.
The moon calendar on the left is
for February 2008.
The Chinese Calendar
Each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, the Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Some people believe that people born in a particular year such as the year of the Rat will have some of the characteristics of that animal. It is said that "The animal hides in your heart."
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The Chinese Dragon
The dragon is an important part of the new year celebrations and is paraded through the streets. It represents wisdom, strength, benevolence, and good fortune.
Chinese Dragon
Activity
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Hong Bow Chinese New Year Red Pocket |
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