Chinese New Year

The Year of the Dragon begins on January 23rd in 2012 and lasts for 15 days.  The start date varies each year but the traditions remain the same.  Visits from friends and family are important and red envelopes with a coin inside are often exchanged.  The house is cleaned to remove any bad luck from the previous year to allow for good luck in the new year.  New clothes are worn, usually red and hair is cut. Certain foods are considered lucky.  Noodles are eaten for long life, fish for abundance, and round shaped food like coins symbolizes wealth. The festival is marked by parades and fireworks.  Gung hay fat choy!