Chinese New Year is known to be one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. It is based on the lunar calendar and always falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which explains why it is celebrated after the typical January 1st.

During that time of year, lots of traditional customs take place. For instance, during family reunions, red envelopes known as hong bao (红包), are given, which contain money with a different amount depending on the person to whom it is given.

Several decorations are put up around the house to invite good fortune, such as Chinese lanterns or banners. Those decorations will most probably be red and gold. While the red symbolizes new life and prosperity, the gold color symbolizes happiness and wealth, as well as power.

Every year, the Chinese New Year celebrates the year of one of the twelve following zodiacs: the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog as well as the pig. Each animal is to represent a year in a cycle that repeats itself every twelve years. For example, if you were born in 2009, your zodiac sign would be the ox, so would people born in 2021 and 2033.

Each zodiac animal is believed to influence the fortune or personality traits of a person. “It is important to celebrate New Year our way as it is a reminder of our traditions and our roots, ” cited someone.