Fireworks will fill the night sky and dragons will dance through the streets as millions of people around the world prepare to welcome the Chinese New Year. You might have heard that 2014 is the Year of the Horse, but there's more to this holiday than zodiac animal signs. Read on for five fast facts about Chinese New Year.
1. Nobody calls it Chinese New Year in China. It's more commonly known as the Lunar New Year, since the date is determined by the lunar calendar. It's also known as the Spring Festival.
2. It lasts more than one day. Lunar New Year runs for 15 days, which makes it the longest festival on the Chinese calendar. This year, the holiday starts on January 31 and ends on Valentine's Day. The holiday season is jam-packed with parades, fireworks, dancing, horse races, temple worship, and lots and lots of food, especially sweet treats like candied fruit and rice pudding.
3. Fireworks are used to chase out monsters. According to ancient Chinese legend, the half-dragon and half-lion "Nian" monster likes to stalk young children during Lunar New Year. The monster has an achilles heel, though: sensitive hearing. The sound of fireworks are said to chase off the creature, which explains why firecrackers and fireworks displays are associated with Lunar New Year celebrations.
4. Red is the color of choice. Good luck and prosperity is associated with the color red, which is why you will see lots of red lanterns and paper-cut decorations during Lunar New Year. Red is also said to protect against evil spirits and monsters.
5. It's not just a Chinese holiday. Lunar New Year is celebrated in Korea, Vietnam, Japan and many other countries with sizable Chinese populations. Plus, every year from late January to mid-February, Chinatowns around the world become party central.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
