Chinese New Year  Happy Chinese New Year
From 101lifeStyle.com
Chinese New Year Customs And Traditions: There are several traditions and customs associated with Chinese New Year. It is loved by both young and old and is the noisiest and most joyful festival of the year. The festival is filled with traditions, many of which date back to historic times. It is a time for family and friends and each year, no matter where they are living, each family member heads back to their hometown to celebrate with their family.
Year Of The Animal: There are 12 animals which are represented in the Chinese calendar and each year is dedicated to every one animal of the 12 mentioned. Consequently, every animal is represented once every 12 years. Each of these animals are focused upon during that particular year for which they are associated. Chinese families put up pictures of each of these animals during those specific years that they represent. So, for example, if it is the year of the tiger, as it is this year 2010, many pictures will adorn the houses of all Chinese families. Some people believe that those born during the year of a particular animal will end up with the character traits of that animal. For example, if you were born during the year of the rat, you will grow up to be imaginative and cunning.
 Ancestor Worship: Chinese New Year is looked forward by every person in China and in every little China town all over the world. It is a time of family, of celebration, and of fun. Children through the elderly take part in the festival and revel in the part they get to play. It is wonderful time of the year, which is filled with ancient traditions which are an integral part of the festival. Ancestor worship is an important part of each Chinese New Year and it reminds each family member where they came from. It is a day where they remember their fore fathers and pay reverence to them. It is a day for showing respect to their ancestors and paying respect to them for their existence. They do that by going to visit their ancestor's graves and paying respects. When they are at the graves, they clean it and offer food, also cigarettes and alcohol. Every member burns an incense stick on the grave and fireworks are lit to scare away any evil spirits in the area that might bother their ancestors who are resting in peace. Each Chinese family do this until all the graves of the ancestor's have been visited. The food is then taken back to their homes and a huge feast is prepared. Specially in the countryside, photos of deceased relatives are hung in the main room of each house where all can see it. Ancestral worship plays an integral part of most Chinese people's lives. Amidst this day of prayers and reverence, there is a lot of jubilance and merry making amongst family. .  Chinese New Year Calendar
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