The Spring Festival

In China, the Spring Festival is known as the "Chinese Lunar New Year" or simply "Chinese New Year". It is sometimes called the "Asian New Year" because it is celebrated in all East and South-East Asia. It is celebrated in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and in Chinatowns around the world where there is a significant Chinese population.


The Chinese calendar has been used continuously for many centuries. It predates the International Calendar which goes back 430 years. The dates have been determined by the movement of the Sun, Moon, and Stars. Days are measured by the self rotation of the earth. The months are measured by the time of rotation of the moon around the earth. The years are measured by the duration of time the earth rotates around the Sun.


The first day of the 2011 Chinese New Year is February 3, 2011. This day marks the start of the Year of the Rabbit. Each Chinese Year is named by one of the 12 Animals. These animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.


Chinese New Year Decoration:


Plants and Flowers
Blooming plants symbolizes rebirth and new growth. Flowers are believed to be symbols of wealth and success. Having these in your home on Chinese New Year would mean a year for prosperity in your household.


Oranges and Tangerines
Tradition dictates that you must bring oranges and tangerines when visiting friends and family during the 2-week long Chinese New Year celebration. Tangerines with leaves symbolize a secure relationship with others. For newly weds, this represents the branching into a family with many children. These two are also symbols of abundant happiness. 


Candy Tray
A candy tray arranged in a circle or an octagon is called "The Tray of Togetherness" and presents different pieces of candy symbolizing that the year will start sweetly. After taking pieces of candy from the tray, people will place a red envelope, called a lai see, on the  center compartment of the tray. 


Candies on the Candy Tray
1. Candied melon- growth and good health
2. Red melon seed- dyed red to symbolize joy, happiness, truth and sincerity
3. Lychee nut- strong family relationships
4. Cumquat- prosperity
5. Coconut- togetherness
6.  Peanuts- long life
7. Longnan- many good sons
8. Lotus seed- many children