Get Complete Details of Chinese New Year 2010 and Get Free Weekly Horoscopes

For the Chinese, this 2010 is the Year of the tiger, which effectively starts on the Saturday of February 14. This is the time when millions of overseas Chinese will go back home to their families to spend the holiday and have a wonderful dinner together. This is a time when every China town all over the globe will be filled with much merrymaking, dramatic fireworks, dancing dragons, singing gongs, and happy smiles.

No doubt, the Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in history for Chinese calendar, with the celebration taking as long as 15 days. Even people who don't have Chinese blood in them have come to celebrate and respect this holiday. Every year, Chinese spend lavishly on these performance arts in the hopes of bringing good luck and prosperity.

The Spring Festival is the most important and traditional festival for Chinese, because it starts from the beginning of spring. People will hold this festival at the last day of every year which is called New Years Eve. People will keep vigil, and all the members of a family will hold together to have a big dinner on that night. It means the old year has already past and after people make a conclusion for the year, they hope to have a new and different year next.

And just as the New Year is a time when they spend thousands on food and fireworks and gifts, it is also a high time consulting their fate in Chinese horoscopes and astrology. Chinese people, after all, are among the most superstitious people in the world. Superstitions, in fact, abound during the Chinese New Year itself, both before and during the holiday. On the days before the celebration, Chinese families spend their time cleaning their houses to sweep away the bad luck for the coming New Year. On the holiday eve, buying a pair of shoes is considered bad luck, since according to them the word "shoes" is a homophone for the word "rough" in Cantonese. Eating candy, on the other hand, brings good luck in a way that their coming year will become sweet.

The Chinese Horoscope cycle is enhanced with the divisions of the twelve Chinese horoscope signs that are represented by twelve carefully chosen animals. These are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The animals where not selected by luck, but each one of them is highly associated with the human culture and way of life. There's also a legend that explains in detail how the 12 animals where selected. According to the scriptures, the Chinese god of earth conducted a race between all the animals on planet earth. The first twelve animals would represent the twelve astrological signs. The twelve Chinese Horoscope signs shape the twelve-year cycle. When the year-cycle ends, a new one begins by repeating itself.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year hamper is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year hamper to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1293933_51.html

More lovers for rent over Chinese New Year

CHINESE youngsters, who have reached marriage age, have come out with a new “game” - renting lovers.

The group, mostly born in the 80s, was anxiously looking for their other halves just to stop their parents from grumbling about marriage.

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, many people have been busy packing to return to their hometowns for the festival.

Although they were delighted to return home, some were worried to face their parents who would grumble and ask about their other halves.

Some parents have even arranged for a series of “match-making” sessions for their children.

To avoid the “unwanted” scenarios from happening, Chinese were eagerly in search of a part-time lover to bring home.

They were even willing to pay for the part-timers, the Central News Agency reported.

The “people renting” business has been blooming in China, especially Guangdong province, as the time to return home is getting closer.

Some people who wished to make extra cash during this period have advertised themselves on the Internet.

China’s famous website Baidu even has over 1,000 postings of people advertising themselves for rent.

The “people for rent” business originated from Japan in 2001 when companies rented their workers to their customers as lovers, relatives or even to attend weddings and funerals.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.divaasia.com/article/7080

Chinese New Year of the Tiger in Phoenix

In 2010 February 14^th is The Chinese New Year. This is the Chinese Year of the Metal Tiger. Which is symbolized by a white tiger. Here in Phoenix February 8-14, 2010 is the 20 year anniversary of Phoenix Chinese Week. This series of cultural events is the result of a cooperative effort between the Phoenix Chinese Week Committee, the City of Phoenix and the Sister Cities Commission. This series of events celebrates the richness of the Chinese culture. There are plenty of parties, food and cultural activities in the Phoenix area this year to bring in the Chinese New Year. The main focus of the Phoenix Chinese New Year celebration is the Chinese Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix.

Chinese Cultural Center, Friday February 12 through Saturday February 14, 2010

This 3 day event has something for everybody. Families may want to start with the Children's Pavilion. This event offers children the chance to participate in hands on projects involving Chinese arts and crafts such as Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting and folding and many other cultural based activities. The Food Pavilion offers authentic Chinese cuisine from different regions so that you can experience the unique taste and variety China offers. The festival also has traditional Taipei Dragon Boats on display. Make sure that you don't miss the Photo Exhibit and the Mah-Jong Booth. The Chinese Cultural Center is located at 688 N 44 Street, just off I-10 in downtown Phoenix. The hours are Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m... Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2649463/2010_chinese_new_year_celebrations.html?cat=8

Chinese New Year 2010 is Falling on 14th February

When the world is already done with its New Year celebration, China still awaits for its gala celebration. Chinese New Year or Spring festival is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. It is also called 'Lunar New Year' outside China. It begins on the first day of first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year is famously known as Chuxi by its native people. 'Chu' means Chu means 'to remove' or 'to eradicate,' while xi means 'evening' or 'night,' and therefore the term chuxi signifies a moment of the year when people hope to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year and welcome in new fortune.

Chinese New Year Day is the new moon day of the first lunar month. Chinese New Year approximately falls in the second half of January or the first half of February and contains winter solstice. Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration and its first day is the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth.On the second day, Chinese pray their ancestors and gods. On second and fourth day, sons-in-laws pay respect to their parents-in-laws. Fifth day is when people stay at home and welcome 'God of Wealth'. From sixth to tenth day is a time for festivity and merry-making. Chinese visit their families and friends, and visit temples for good fortune, health and prosperity. On 12th and 13th day lavish dinner preparations are made and served to the guests. Rice congee and mustard greens are the traditional dishes prepared at home to cleanse the system. And finally 14th and 15th days marks the preparation and celebration of Lantern Festival. Lantern festival is also known as 'Little New Year'. It marks the end of the series of celebrations that starts from the Chinese New Year. chinese new year calendar assigns a unique animal name every year. There are 12 different Chinese New Year animals, which are Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, Pig, in the counting system.

Chinese New Year 2010 is falling on 14th February and the special animal sign and number is assigned to it. Chinese New Year animal of the year is Tiger. The Chinese New Year 2010 will not just not merely be a fifteen days festivity, but it will be a time to strengthen the bond of love and respect. Its will mean reunion, feasting, revelry and parties for Chinese people. Dinners will be organized by Chinese families and will be a great get-together to come close with family, friends and dear ones. Delicious and delectable gastronomical delights will be cooked at home like chicken, fish, cakes, so that New Year will usher in happiness, wealth and good fortune.

Besides New Year, there are other festivals also to cheer the Chinese people. Chinese Valentines Day is also called the 'Daughter's festival'. Its similar to the popular Valentines Day which is celebrated round the world by love birds with much fanfare on 14th February. On Chinese Valentines Day, lovers pray for their everlasting love and union, which soon turn into marriage and marital bliss. Both, those who are in love or single, go to the temple of Matchmaker. This day girls wash their hairs, and dress to their finery. Couples woo their sweethearts by splurging them with thoughtful gifts and spend time with them.

Chinese New Year is not just any other day, its importance is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions. Its heralds the onset of good times, that will brighten their each day and open different avenues that will take them to the future of beautiful tomorrows.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.sooperarticles.com/art-entertainment-articles/chinese-new-year-chinese-new-year-2010-falling-14th-february-27939.html

The Year of the Tiger Chinese New Year 2010

The new moon in February for 2010 marks the start of the year of the Tiger for the upcoming Chinese New year. It will mark the end of the year of the Ox. Depending on the cycles of the moon, the Chinese Lunar New Year
usually falls either in January of February during the new moon. Chinese New Year 2010 will be celebrated on February 14th, which happens to be the same day as St Valentine Day. Chinese New Year 2010 marks the start of the the Year of the Tiger. The Chinese Zodiac has a twelve year cycle, and the tiger marks the third year. The other signs of the Chinese Zodiac are Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster.

The Chinese new year is sort of like the American Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays rolled into one big event. It is very important for families to be together to ring in the new year. The celebration does not last for just one day. In some areas it could last an entire month. However, the most important part of the Chinese New Year celebration occurs during the first 15 days following the first new moon of the year. Kids will be on winter break, and many in Asia will take a holiday from work.

During the holiday, food takes center stage, with feasting and banquets. There is the general belief that if you start of the year with abundant food and a good time, then that abundance will carry over throughout the upcoming year.

The foods that are eaten will vary greatly depending on the region of China, or whether you are in Singapore, Taiwan, or Hong Kong. The main dishes represent prosperity and success for the upcoming year. For example, in Taiwan and parts of China, many families will eat fish. The words fish and extra are homophones in the Chinese Mandarin language. When you pronounce the word fish and extra in Chinese they make the same sound, yew.
These words have a different character when written in Chinese but sound exactly the same. Just as in the English language, dear and deer are homophones, same sound, different spelling, and different meaning.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2551219/chinese_new_year_2010_the_year_of_the.html

Happy Chinese New Year!

Unlike the Western Calendar which has the passing of the year as a fixed date each year, the Chinese calendar is based on a combination of solar and lunar movements with New Years being celebrated on the date of the second full moon after the winter solstice.

The misalignment of the solar and lunar cycles creates an imbalance over time which needs to be corrected by realigning the two calendars. Within any 19 year period, there are seven years where one month is added to maintain some form of alignment.

In addition to this cycle of realignment, from ancient times the Chinese have associated each year with an animal which they consider to be auspicious and the characteristics and traits of these animals are said to be imparted to any newborn. The list of revered animals is, starting with 2010; Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Boar and Rat.

Chinese New Year celebrations are heavily influenced by tradition and the Spring Festival, to give Chinese New Year its' more correct name is the holiday most celebrated during the year with family and friends gathering together to honour their ancestors with prayer and a banquet.

There are many customs associated with the celebration including the cleaning completely the home and the application of the principle of Feng Shui. Like their western counterparts, families stay up late and as the New Year approaches, all of the windows and doors are thrown open to let the old year depart along with any bad luck and to allow evil spirits to make way for good.

The welcoming of the changes in the seasons is represented symbolically by the use of flowers symbolizing that nature has reawakened. This symbolism extends to the use of fruits and candies representing prosperity and happiness; oranges and tangerines are traditionally placed around the dwelling and a tray of eight different types of candies made from lotus seeds, longan (a small juicy fruit), peanuts, coconut, cumquat, lychee (a small fruit with sweet flesh), red melon seeds, candied melon is commonly found in the main living area. Other decorations will be bright red and gold, both colours being associated with good fortune, and will include wall hangings wishing good luck and good fortune on all.

Aside from firecrackers which are an intrinsic part of any Chinese celebration, the Spring Festival is celebrated all around the globe by Chinese New Year Dragon Parades. The Dragon dance is a vital part of any Chinese New Year Celebration and the rich colours, drumming beat and its overall spectacle make it a must see event for Chinese and others alike. If you watch carefully, the Dragon, who is searching for wisdom and knowledge is actually following the Pearl of Wisdom which is atop a pole carried by the leader of the procession.

If you fancy holding your own celebration this Chinese New Years; it's never been easier. There are plenty of websites that can offer advice on recipes on creating your own Chinese banquet try the BBC webpages, and most fancy dress internet retailers have large selections of Chinese themed costumes and accessories. Chinese themed decorations are also becoming easier to source so it's never been easier to have a great Spring Festival or Chinese New Years celebration. Enjoy.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Sinclair

Countdown 2010 Celebrating The New Year In The City Of Angles

Where are we going to celebrate the New Year this year? is the common question that takes place when the end of the year is approaching. If you are in Thailand for the New Year then you are fortunate as there is one certain thing Thais know how to do and that is celebration. Thailand is actually one of the few countries in the world that celebrates a New Year three times a year! The Chinese New Year is celebrated in February, Songkran Festival or the traditional Thai New Year in April and the western New Year affords a great reason to have fun. Bangkok really offers a jovial experience, thus lets make this yearend festivity a complete New Year phenomenon. Leave the old year behind and herald the new one with friends and families.

As with many hectic cities worldwide, celebrating New Years Eve in the City of Angels can be extremely gratifying. Each of the New Year countdown celebrations has its own charisma so you can be sure to find something to fulfill your preferences. Whether it is traditional, contemporary and stage performances, world music, clubs and pubs or simply by the glorious Chao Phraya River, there are ample entertainment options to take you right through to the countdown when firework displays magically light up the sky.

Afterward the party continues on into the early hours. The center of Christmas and New Year celebrations in Bangkok is the Ratchaprasong Intersection, home to CentralWorld, Gaysorn Plaza and Erawan Bangkok.

All through this remarkable Bangkok shopping vicinity, along Ratchaprasong, Ratchadamri and Ploenchit around the Chitlom area, the streets are draped in a gleaming light display that would compete that of nearly any western city. Colorful chains of lights are strung across the roads from buildings and street lights, not to mention the tall Christmas trees with plenty of pretty decorations. You can also relish a long row of palm trees with their trunks wrapped in lights and still more lights strung from the branches.

So as to best enjoy these sites, it is always superb to combine viewing the decorations with shopping. The choice and diversity of stores and products sold is so astonishing and the holiday sales make for even greater value.

Should you yearn for reveling the New Year in public or outdoors then the Bangkok Countdown is grandly held at Bangkoks CentralWorld. The event typically magnetizes a myriad of people with the party focused on Ratchaprasong Intersection right in front of CentralWorld on Ratchadamri Road. An emphasis includes breathtaking light-and-sound multimedia shows and live on-stage performances by renowned Thai artists, actors and performers. You can too marvel at the perfect atmosphere, be part of a global TV audience as well as delight in the beer garden, lucky draws and countdown to 2010 with other countries around the world. The citys governor and other leaders will also bless the coming year. The event is broadcast live.

Those who do not fancy big outdoor crowns can head for one of Bangkoks chic and stylish clubs where parties are bound to blow up. The younger crowns usually visit places around Silom Road and RCA. It will be quite amusing, boisterous and perspiring as these venues get packed to the max and party hard. Besides, there are numerous smaller bars and fine restaurants around Khaosan Road. These dinning spots present an extensive range of entertainment to satiate the international tastes. The club scene in Bangkok is as well excellent. If it is high class sophistication or a hip club, you can find it all provided with that hospitable Thai mood. The live music scene is top class. Thai musicians deliver a performance to match any band.

Several leading hotels in Bangkok meanwhile proffer something a little quieter. They have shows or parties organized. The marvelous places to make for are on the Chao Phraya River. Here the ambiance is more private with a sumptuous gala dinner, light entertainment and dazzling views of fireworks displays over the citys sky. By the riverside is one of the best places to be in Bangkok, but how about being on the river? There are various dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya River where you can rejoice a silent and romantic New Years Eve dinner away from the throngs and in the best possible vantage point for admiring the fireworks. Bear in mind that both hotel parties and dinner cruises are well-liked and require advance booking.

Not only in Bangkok, but also across the country you will find celebrations that send out the past year and welcome the New Year in their own outstanding style. How about the next day? No doubt there will be some consequences from the previous nights event, but you can always indulge yourself in one of the delectable New Years Day buffet brunches at some of the famous hotels especially if you overslept and missed breakfast. This is a fabulous way to start the first day of 2010 that will make you feel a whole lot revitalized. Or you can kick off the New Years Day with nice day shopping at one of Bangkoks fantastic shopping malls such as CentralWorld, Central Chidlom, Siam Paragon and The Emporium, to mention just a few.

For the sake of absolute relaxation and rejuvenation to begin your New Year spoil yourself at a spa. The pampering treatments at one of the citys lavish spas would stimulate your senses as well as enable your body and spirit to chill out to the utmost. Assorted high-end hotels also have their own spa sanctuaries and you cannot go wrong here.

Otherwise you can seek retreat in one of Bangkoks nail boutiques or massage shops to luxuriate in a healing foot massage. Whilst being immersed in the world of indulgence you will be enchanted by the professional staff to nurture you with a smile and cater to your every personalized session, nothing seems to be much trouble. This is a terrific escape to start the day with a great treat.

In a more traditional and cultured manner to greet the New Year, lots of Thais drop by the nearby temples for merit-making to ensure a bright and prosperous New Year. Many major provinces including Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Krabi organize the celebrations on New Years Day in a grand religious style in the early morning. Also, with half and the regular Bangkok crowd upcountry visiting family or on vacation, it can be a good occasion to relax and tour Bangkok with attractions a little less jam-packed than usual.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Countdown-2010-Celebrating-The-New-Year-In-The-City-Of-Angles/844243

The Chinese New Year of the Tiger in Sydney

Sydney is bursting at the seams with great events and entertainment for February and at the heart of the festivities is the largest Chinese New Year Celebration outside of Asia. This year, the community will be ushering the Year of the Tiger and will celebrations include an opening day ceremony in Surry Hills and markets. The highlight of the fortnight will be the extravagant Twilight Parade through Sydney's Chinatown.

Sydney communities celebrate the New Year

The party kicks off on 12 February 2010, the night before New Year's Eve. Markets and an opening ceremony are to be held at Belmore Park in Surry Hills near Central station and will feature performances put on by the local Asian communities. The official first day of the year takes place on 14 February, and the night before is a time for families to enjoy a New Year's Eve feast that always includes traditional foods to promote prosperity, wealth and success in the coming year.

In China, the New Year comes as a time of rest and family, where minimal chores are done and most businesses are closed. Meanwhile, Sydney will be hosting a number of cultural events, with Dragon Boat races on 27-28 February at Darling Harbour and a number of individual community events.

Pivotal to the celebrations will the Twilight Parade on 21 February. After the outstanding success of the inaugural Twilight Parade in 2009 (replacing the traditional day parade of the past years), audiences this year will once again be treated to an amazing spectacle of colourful illuminated floats while performers in traditional dress will wow the crowds.

The Year of the Tiger

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Tiger is considered to be a symbol of bravery and those born in the year of the Tiger are thought to be courageous fighters, charismatic, with strong moral values and are good protectors.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_1343327_29.html

Chinese New Year Celebrations in London

Yuletide celebrations may have come and gone, but Sunday the 10th of February will see celebration of the Chinese New Year, ringing in what is in Chinese astrology, the Year of the Rat. As the biggest city in Europe and one with a sizeable ethnic Chinese population, London's Chinese New Year celebrations will be amongst the most extravagant around the world - last year it was the largest in the world outside of Asia, attracting over 300,000 visitors.

In London, celebrations of the Chinese New Year are naturally concentrated around Chinatown, located in the Soho area of the City of Westminster and occupying the area in and around Gerrard Street. The site itself is a must-see for any tourist, and contains numerous Chinese restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets and Chinese souvenir shops.

Chinese New Year celebrations start at 11 am with the Grand Parade from Charing Cross Road to Trafalgar Square and admission is free of charge.

Following opening speeches, including ones by appointed officials, such as the President of the London Chinese Community Centre and Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, the celebrations kick off with the 'Dotting of the Lions' Eyes'. In this good-luck ceremony, two dancers wear a giant lion costume and the eyes are painted in to drive away evil spirits and bring the lion to life. Accompanying the waking lion are drumbeats, gongs and cymbals, starting off softly and building into an erupting crescendo as the lion awakes and begins to flick its ears, scratch and breathe. The lion then starts to dance as firecrackers go off.

Following this is the mesmerising Dragon Dance, an essential part of Chinese festivals for over two millennia. Historically a part of harvest rituals, today it symbolises the bringing of prosperity and good luck in the year ahead. The Dragon itself is a long, brightly painted serpent-shaped body on poles, worn by up to 8 dancers, with an ornamental head and tail.

At 1 pm the centre stage becomes a showcase for different talents from local and visiting performers. These include both contemporary and traditional arts, from dances to martial arts and music. An impressive display of talent, it promises to be one of the must-see parts of the celebrations.

The skies will light up with fireworks around Leicester Square every hour from 2 - 6 pm, and the celebrations then move from Trafalgar Square into Chinatown. Although it is always a lively part of London, this New Year the festive spirit is expected to be higher than ever, with the Beijing Olympics and London 2012 being integrated into the festivities. Home to over 78 restaurants offering everything from westernized Chinese food to traditional and gourmet delicacies, Chinatown can provide anyone with an appreciation for Chinese food something to suit their tastes.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Regan

Chinese New Year Menu Ideas for a Delicious Chinese New Year Feast

Tradition is how we have gotten many of our menu items for holidays. Chinese New Year is no different. Delicious Asian delicacies form a big part of Chinese New Year, and here are just a few ideas:

Some items you may find during Chinese New Year are a vegetarian dish called jai, whole fish, chicken, nian gao, rice pudding, and man tou. The menu items have more meaning than most foods available at a traditional New Year in the United States. The Chinese believe their food symbolizes many things. Among the symbolization of food is the attitude that the amount of food prepared shows abundance and wealth for the household.

Spring rolls are another traditional and symbolic food you may find on the menu for Chinese New Year. To make spring rolls you need 1 cup shredded cabbage, ¼ cup shredded carrots, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 4 Chinese garlic chives, 1 cup bean sprouts, ½ bell pepper, ¼ pound pork, 1 teaspoon chopped ginger, 1 teaspoon chopped garlic, and a pinch cornstarch to create 24 spring rolls. You will also need 24 wrappers.

Other menu items you may find at a traditional Chinese New Year celebration include lettuce wraps, Lion’s Head Meatballs, Pecking Duck, Sweet & Sour Pork, and Tea Eggs. It is important to note that most of the menu items will have some significance to their culture and that is why it is made on the Chinese New Year. Rice pudding is considered a dessert among the Chinese and will complete the meal for you and your friends.

Whether you use these ideas or throw in some of your own, with a bit of preparation and creativity you can serve up a Chinese New Year feast that will have your guests coming back for more.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

Lucky Money in Red Envelopes For Chinese New Year

During the Chinese New Year, young people who greet their elders with a happy and abundant new year are handed lucky red envelopes by the elders. These envelopes are really good luck for a youngster because these have money inside. The lucky red envelopes are called "hong bao" in Mandarin, or "lai see" in Cantonese.

Symbolism of the Lucky Envelope

Giving money during Chinese New Year is considered lucky for both the giver and the receiver. Those who give will also invite the flow of money in during the entire year. Giving these envelopes also symbolize that the family luck is also passed on to the children and the unmarried teens/ adults.

Red as usual is the luckiest color, as it symbolizes life, so it's appropriate that Chinese New Year items are colored red. Hong paos have assorted designs, such as that of happy children, Chinese characters for abundance and greetings, animals of the zodiac, etc. The Chinese word for red ("hong") also sound like "plenty". Thus it is believed that money wrapped in red will make money multiply.

The money inside the hong bao is called Ya Sui Qian. Ya mean suppress; Sui sounds somehow like evil spirit. Qian means money. Therefore, Ya Sui Qian means money that can suppress evil spirits. It is believed that this lucky money can also help kids be safe and healthy for the year.

Giving the Hong Bao/ Lai See

Money in even amounts, except for 4, is considered lucky. 4 is not a good amount to put into the lucky envelopes because the Chinese word for "four" sounds similar to the sound of "death". A good way to gauge the amount to put into a hong bao is roughly the same amount as a candy bar. An adult can give 1 envelope, while married couples usually give 2 envelopes. It is said that in some parts of China, only mothers give away the hong bao.

The young people accept these lucky envelopes graciously on Chinese New Year with a sincere thank you (that's "xie xie" in Mandarin or "doi jeh" in Cantonese.) They often give thanks while kneel-bowing 3 times.

For good manners sake, the hong bao should not be opened in the presence of the giver. The receiver may only do so after leaving the giver.

The lucky money inside the hong bao is recommended to be kept and not spent immediately. Young people are encouraged to save their money. And besides, it is believed that this money brings luck and wellness so might as well keep it.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

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