As the first new moon of the lunar calendar approaches, millions of people worldwide are busy getting ready for one of the largest celebrations of the year: Lunar New Year.
Chinese Lunar New Year will take place on February 10 this year, marking the beginning of the 15-day Spring Festival.
The Chinese zodiac calendar best describes the 12-year cycle represented by 12 different animals. The order is Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
The location of the Tai Sui, a collective name for the celestial deities is in Dragon this year. This will determine fortune to a considerable extent for each Chinese zodiac sign.
It is beleived that to scare the demons away in this auspicious day people use firecrackers. It is one of the folktales.
Gifts and fruits are packed to be distributed to the families that are visited. After striking up a discussion over Lunar New Year goodies, visitors will then be showered with gifts.
Lunar New Year's Eve, which occurs on February 9 this year, is typically marked by a large family reunion banquet. Foods have been curated to feature items that are symbolic of luck.
It is believed that the Chinese mother goddess Nuwa created humanity on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, which falls on February 16, 2024. It is renri/jan jat, or "the people's birthday."
The Lantern Festival, on the fifteenth and last day of the Spring Festival (February 24, 2024), is the centrepiece of the entire event. In Mandarin Chinese, it is known as Yuan Xiao Jie.
Have a prosperous days ahead