Using the Chinese calendar, it will be New Year on Sunday 29 January. Chinese New Year is also known as the Lunar New Year, because the Chinese calendar incorporates elements of a lunar calendar.
| Chinese New Year dragon |
Chinese New Year can also be called the Spring Festival as it is the time when Chinese people celebrate the return of spring. The traditional New Year greeting is Kung Hei Fat Choi (Cantonese) or Gong Xi Fa Cai (Mandarin) meaning "congratulations and be prosperous". The Year of the Dog Based on the Chinese zodiac, this year is the Year of Dog. According to Chinese folklore, each animal is associated with certain personality traits. People born in the Year of Dog are loyal, honest and trustworthy; they make loyal friends and companions.
| Celebrating the Year of the Dog |
You may not have noticed, but many celebrities were born in the Year of the Dog. To name a few, we have: Bill Clinton, Mother Teresa, David Bowie, Elvis Presley, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Claudia Schiffer, Andre Agassi, and Steven Spielberg. Chinese New Year celebrations last for fifteen days. Traditionally, friends and family meet up during this festive time and exchange greetings of good luck. Chinese New Year in Manchester Here in Manchester, we have celebrations in China Town every year. If you鈥檇 like to join us to celebrate spring, don鈥檛 miss the programme on Sunday - you may be one of the lucky ones to receive lucky money from the God of Wealth!
> The Eastern Horizon crew from GMR will also be there to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and we look forward to seeing you! Kung Hei Fat Choi! Gong Xi Fa Cai! |