The Chinese Lunar Calendar For Baby Gender Selection-How To Use It

The Chinese Lunar Calendar for baby gender prediction was discovered, after years of research, by Chinese scientists about 700 years ago. Many in the far east beleive it is very precise, up to 99%! Whether you are a beleiver or not, the Chinese Birthing Calendar can be a loads of fun to mess around with at you're next baby shower or get-together.

If your already pregnant the Chinese gender prediction calendar can show you if you'll be having a baby girl or a baby boy. If you are taking into consideration becoming pregnant apply the Chinese birth chart to choose the best month to become pregnant depending on whether you would like a girl or boy.

In order to insure accurate results you just need to know the mothers age at conception, and the month your baby is conceived. These dates need to come from the Chinese lunar calendar and not the Gregorian calendar used in most of the rest of the world.

Let's take a closer look at how you figure out these dates, shall we? The mother-to-be's age doesn'tstart on her birthday, as here in the west, but at her conception. Add 9 months to the mother's age to start with. Also you need to be knowledgeable of the reality the Chinese New Year varies from year to year, falling somewhere between January 22 and Febuary 22. So you will need to find out what date was the Chinese New Year on the mother-to-be's birth year (or actually the year she was conceived in.)

Now you will need to determine the baby's month of conception, here again by means of the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

When you have figured these two dates accurately you just find these dates on the Chinese baby prediction chart and follow the two columns until they intersect and if the square is blue the gender prediction chart predicts a boy baby, if the square is pink the chart predicts the baby will be a girl.

The Chinese birth chart, can be used on your unborn baby, your children, or even adults, or anyone or everyone for that matter.

Sometimes your unborn baby's sex can be determined, by way of an ultra-sound, as early on as five months (although it's sometimes hard to ascertain until the seventh or eighth month.) But, I think using the Chinese Lunar Calendar as your baby predictor is loads more fun!

Now that you know how to use the Chinese Gender Calendar you can put it to use at your next baby shower, get together, or anytime, just for fun. You'll find the gender calendar at my site below, but keep in mind that I offer it for entertainment and informational purposes only, I can't guarantee, of course, your results!

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1299730_40.html

Year of the Tiger 2010

The Chinese New Year is on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2010. It is the year of the golden tiger which symbolizes the Yin female energy. The dragon, which symbolizes the Yang male energy, turns its outer strength inward this year to support the Yin energy with its heart vision of love. The East and West are united by love this year.

It is not just a year for those born in the Year of the Tiger, it's a time for all to embrace its wonderful gifts. Many say the tiger most equates to the Zodiac sign Aquarius; so this year, the East and West merge together.

Tigers, like Aquarians, pride themselves on being different from others. They have a unique way of looking at things. They are original. Aquarius's message is freedom and the tiger's message is courage. It takes incredible courage to live a life of freedom and only a free person can truly love. Someone that is imprisoned or trapped must follow what his jailer dictates, which is not love but control.

The tiger, symbol of Yin or love energy is not up in the sky like the dragon; but on Earth, walking through the jungle of life with great courage. The tiger invokes in you the courage to live a life of love this year. Solving problems of the heart is its pursuit, its hunt.

Begin with your home. See if it is original, representing who you believe you are inside. As the tiger is always the symbol for Yin energy, not just this year; you can look at your home, your clothing and see how much of it already has the tiger represented.

It isn't coincidental that; as the feminine energy is growing stronger every year and will continue until the pendulum fully swings beginning on the Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012, that many of you are already responding to decorating your homes with animal prints, fabrics and clothing. Courage, the gift of the tiger, has been activated in you at an unconscious level for some time now.

It does take courage to live a life of love, especially emotional courage, speaking about matters of the heart. There's a progression to the heart which most often begins with your hurts. You need to talk about these hurts, express them so you can look at how to resolve them. Otherwise, you will revert to the extreme of your Yang side, your overly strong male, become tough, blame and try to get even or hurt others.

You want to connect, through love, with both yourself and those ever so meaningful persons in your life. Often, that takes emptying out those hurts; so go for it this year. The tiger will walk beside you through your own jungle and lead you to love.

Professionally, are you living a life of love? Does the way you are earning your money call to your heart? If not, you've trapped yourself which is not going to make your heart sing. Your uniqueness, originality and your way of serving, which is really love in action, is calling to you.

Let the golden tiger lead the way. It never gives up, no matter how frustrated it becomes, along its journey.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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=Loy_Young

Get Free Chinese New Year 2010 And Chinese Valentines Day Cards

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 "pass" and xi means "Eve."

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 "Po Woo," 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 (choi sum) 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 26th January and the special animal sign and number is assigned to it. Chinese New Year animal of the year is Ox and the number is 4707. 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.

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 "pass" and xi means "Eve." 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 "Po Woo," 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 (choi sum) 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 26th January and the special animal sign and number is assigned to it. Chinese New Year animal of the year is Ox and the number is 4707. 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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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/home-and-family-articles/parties-articles/chinese-new-year-get-free-chinese-new-year-2010-chinese-valentines-day-cards-30230.html

Chinese New Year's Eve

It seems that people show much more enthusiasm toward the new year's eve. So what is happening on the new year's eve?

Members of a family are supposed to stay up as late as they can at the New Year's eve. Long ago, it was believed that gods in Heaven would spread gold over to each family so they kept awake, active and ready to seize it with door closed.

The new year's eve is also the best time for the members of a family to talk with each other, report about their experiences and achievements, and exchange their ideas and plans for the next year.

For most of the northerners in China, making Chinese dumplings is a must at the new year's eve. As you know, making dumplings for a large family needs more than one person to fulfil. So it is also the time for the family members to chat around the table throughout the cooperation on the job. And the talk can often go back to their past when they were very young. I usually spend the Festival in my hometown with my parents. I can see the delighted faces of my parents when we sit down to work at the dumplings. The scene often brings my mother back to the old days we had together and she treasures those days very much though we were not so well-off as today. I still have a vivid picture of how our brothers and sisters in our childhood played joyfully in the new year's eve.

If the new year's eve is the time for families of the year, the new year eve's dinner will certainly be the hour of the new year's eve. The dinner is full of symbolic meaning, such as Chinese dumplings implying wealth since they have the shape of ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots. Everyone, even kids, drinks a little Jiu (usually hard liquor), which symbolizes longevity since Jiu has the same pronunciation as longevity in Chinese.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa011300a.htm

See Chinese Traditional Astrology

Astrology is one of the most ancient of Chinese philosophies. With a complex mix of calendar cycles and associations to animals, Chinese astrology is as mysterious as it is effective. Unlike other disciplines, the culture embraces astrology with bright, wonderful celebrations and integrates beliefs into their everyday lives. In this article, we'll examine the roots of this Asian tradition and how other cultures have come to respect it.

Chinese astrology is the divination of the future from the Chinese calendar. This basic cycle has been constructed from two cycles: the 10 heavenly stems (the five elements in their yin and yang forms) and the 12 earthly branches, or the 12-year cycle of animals referred to as the Chinese zodiac.

The Chinese animal zodiac also operates on a cycle of months or 'moons' and of hours of the day. The animal signs assigned by year represent how others will perceive you as being, or how you present yourself.

It is a common misconception that the animals assigned by year are the only signs, and many western descriptions of the Chinese version draw solely on this system. In fact, there are also animal signs assigned by month (called inner animals) and hours of the day (called secret animals). While a person might appear to be a dragon because they were born in the year of the dragon, they might also be a snake internally and an ox secretively.

In total, this makes for 8,640 possible combinations that a person might be. An individual's monthly animal sign is called their inner animal and is concerned with what motivates a person.

Since this sign dictates the person's love life and inner persona, it is critical to a proper understanding of the individual's compatibility with other signs. These are all critical for the proper use of this Asian astrology.

Like in western astrology, each sign is linked to a month of the solar year. However, in Chinese astrology, the signs are also related to a season and the elements are believed to transfer some of its characteristics to the sign concerned. In the 60 year cycle, the fixed element, which is concerned with the year, month and hour signs, is separate from the cycle of elements which interact with the signs.

The Chinese zodiac is also used to label times of day, with each sign corresponding to a "large-hour," which is a two-hour period (24 divided by 12 animals). It is therefore important to know the exact time of birth to determine it. The secret animal is thought to be a person's truest representation, since this animal is determined by the smallest denominator: a person's birth hour. It is a person's own true sign, upon which their personality is based.

Chinese new year celebrations are renowned for the bold displays of Asian tradition and symbols from Chinese astrology. Most societies don't practice astrology as openly as the Chinese do. Businessmen won't make deals on some days, couples try to have babies in certain years and particular addresses are believed to be good luck. This is an example of how deeply people can believe in the impact of stars and planets.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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=Mike_Selvon

Unique Chinese New Year in Chinese Singapore

Singapore is 75 percent Chinese, the most concentration of ethnic Chinese outside China and its territories, and explains why Chinese New Year is the most widely observed tradition in multicultural Singapore. But Singapore is not China, so that their Chinese New Year celebrations are anything but similar.

Celebrated between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20, Chinese New Year marks the transition from winter to summer in Singapore, the start of the New Year in the lunar calendar used by the Chinese, and is sometimes referred to in Singapore as the Spring Festival.

Chinese New Year, as in China, is considered a major holiday in Singapore, a time of year when most shops and commercial centers in Singapore are closed. Celebrations of the Chinese New Year are composed of the traditional firecrackers and feasts, Chinese style. Singapore Chinese that is.

Accompanying the firecrackers is the world-famous Lion Dance of China. A typical Lion dance seen in Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore imitates kung fu moves, itself an age-old Chinese tradition.

Throughout the festival, the Singapore district of Beach Road in Bugis and the Singapore Chinatown experience intermittent firecracker roar, as some sort of herald to the Lion Dance roaming the district. There is nothing like Bugis and Chinatown in Singapore during the Spring Festival.

For accommodations in a Singapore hotel deep in the heart of the Chinese New Year celebrations, Singapore visitors can log on to the official website of the Beach Road and find a hotel in Singapore that is in the vicinity of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

By nightfall, the firecrackers are put in a sharp counterpoint with the merrymakings of the revelers in the Chingay Parade of Dreams at the Esplanade Park in the eastern district of Singapore, an outdoor party that Singapore has added to the vibrant atmosphere of the traditional Chinese New Year.

Usually held to cap off the Chinese New Year in Singapore, the parade is set in a grand scale that rivals the Mardi Gras, complete with painted faces, colorful costumes, festive music, and a palpable air of cheer.

Another aspect of the Singapore Chinese New Year is the cultural expo at the Esplanade Park. Called the River Hong Bao, this exposition in Singapore of the Chinese culture is named after the cash-bearing red envelopes handed out during the festivities.

With Chinese cuisines, cultural performances top-billed by the Theater Group of Tibet, and elaborate Chinese myths and legends brought to life through various art forms, the River Hong Bao is indeed a bearer of treasure for most people living in Singapore.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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=Jojo_Robles

Chinese New Year is in Progress

Celebration means when everybody is in a mood how best he or she can celebrate a particular event with his or her parents, friends, spouses, relatives and lots more. The time when the whole world celebrates its New Year and busy in new parties and celebration functions on other hand Chinese community is in a plan how best they can arrange their New Year party. It is because the Chinese New Year is on the 14th February. The main thing which cannot be ignored by one while considering Chinese New Year is animal. Means every coming year is denoted by animal. Therefore, as per the Chinese traditional calendar, Chinese New Year 2010 is denoted by tiger.

While Chinese new year 2010 celebrations define how best they can arrange their parties, events and functions. As red is the favorite color for people in china that depicts their belief in good or evil, animal spirits, on gods and legendary beings. As per the upcoming chinese new year calendar 2010, the coming year is the ji-chou year that reflects the combination between jji and yin. Means "Jji" is among the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and yin is among the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches. So, the coming year is denoted by Tiger.

Besides chinese new year, there is also one more term name Lunar New Year which is only observed by Vietnamese, Chinese and Koreans. As Lunar New Year Calendar is base on the cycle system of the moon and sun. This further deflects Chinese New Year that can be starts from anywhere between the last week of the January and the middle of the February. So, Chinese new year calendar plays a vital role in fixing chinese new year date which is also known as lunar new year. As per the calendar lunar new year 2010 festival is start from the 14th of February. In the moment the entire nation comes together that make them feel of each other's pleasure. It is only time when Chinese people takes weeks of holidays to celebrate this big even with their near and dear.

During this event you will find people with red clothes giving gifts to each other and making lot of fire works. Here 365celebration defines complete information about the importance of chinese new year celebration, chinese new year greeting cards, chinese valentines day cards and lots more related to event and new year celebrations.

Celebration means when everybody is in a mood how best he or she can celebrate a particular event with his or her parents, friends, spouses, relatives and lots more. The time when the whole world celebrates its New Year and busy in new parties and celebration functions on other hand Chinese community is in a plan how best they can arrange their New Year party. It is because the Chinese New Year is on the 14th February. The main thing which cannot be ignored by one while considering Chinese New Year is animal. Means every coming year is denoted by animal. Therefore, as per the Chinese traditional calendar, Chinese New Year 2010 is denoted by tiger. While Chinese new year 2010 celebrations define how best they can arrange their parties, events and functions. As red is the favorite color for people in china that depicts their belief in good or evil, animal spirits, on gods and legendary beings. As per the upcoming chinese new year calendar 2010, the coming year is the ji-chou year that reflects the combination between jji and yin. Means "Jji" is among the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and yin is among the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches. So, the coming year is denoted by Tiger. Besides chinese new year, there is also one more term name Lunar New Year which is only observed by Vietnamese, Chinese and Koreans. As Lunar New Year Calendar is base on the cycle system of the moon and sun. This further deflects Chinese New Year that can be starts from anywhere between the last week of the January and the middle of the February. So, Chinese new year calendar plays a vital role in fixing chinese new year date which is also known as lunar new year. As per the calendar lunar new year 2010 festival is start from the 14th of February. In the moment the entire nation comes together that make them feel of each other's pleasure. It is only time when Chinese people takes weeks of holidays to celebrate this big even with their near and dear. During this event you will find people with red clothes giving gifts to each other and making lot of fire works. Here 365celebration defines complete information about the importance of chinese new year celebration, chinese new year greeting cards, chinese valentines day cards and lots more related to event and new year celebrations.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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/celebration-way-chinese-new-year-2010-34996.html

The Chinese New Year

The most famous celebrated holiday for Chinese people is the Chinese New Year. This holiday is of great significance and is celebrated by people of Chinese descent throughout the world. Like most other Chinese holidays, the date for celebration is determined according to the lunar calendar. It begins on the day of the new moon of the New Year and ends on the full moon, which is fifteen days after. Thus, this holiday is now also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival.
Preparations for the Spring Festival include thorough cleaning of the house, writing Spring Festival couplets, creating paper-cuts as window decorations, and, of course, making New Year cakes. Family members gather together for this celebration. This is highlighted with a ceremony to give honor and thanks to Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and family ancestors. Sacrifices are also made to the ancestors to pay respect. Family members and friends visit each other; this is a practice known as “bainian.” This custom of paying visits to kinsmen helps people reconnect with one and other, especially if they had been too busy during the year for social gatherings. Married couples and elders will also give children money in the form of “red envelopes” as blessings.
The night prior to the first day of the New Year is spent as a reunion dinner, which family members, whether they are far or near, unite. Plenty dishes will be served and can vary, but cannot be complete without serving fish. There’s a saying in Chinese that goes “may there be surpluses every year”, which sounds similar to “may there be fishes every year.” Every aspect of the Spring Festival is created with a theme wishing for luck, prosperity, and happiness.
No matter how far away a person of Chinese descent is from home, the Spring Festival always invites a warm feeling to one’s heart. The recurring theme of the customs and traditions for this festival is concentrated on the togetherness of a family and the promising happy future of a new beginning in the upcoming year. For this reason, this is the most popular holiday for all Chinese.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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.articlesbase.com/astrology-articles/the-chinese-new-year-160455.html

Chinese New Year - Games With a Twist!

Chinese New Year is a fifteen day celebration in January or February. This celebration is observed by roughly a quarter of the world's population.

Chinese Lion Mask Craft and Games:

Lions are considered good luck and thought to ward off evil spirits. Performers of the traditional Lion Dance make and wear lion masks during the Lantern Festival each year. If you are having a Chinese New Year Party involving young children, a wonderful craft which easily evolves further into practicing or having their own Lion Dance, is creating a Chinese Lion Mask.

You will need:

• Paper plates

• Yellow (1), Red (2), and Green (2, two inch diameter circles for lion eyes)

• Red Ribbon (12 inch long strips of ½ inch wide)

• 18"" of elastic ribbon

Cut yellow and red construction paper into strips, and alternate colors. Glue onto paper plate edges.

Cut yellow paper into eyes, and glue onto the plate.

Mark holes for the centers of the eyes, so the child will be able to see through. (Depending on ages, adults may do this.)

Use red construction paper to create noses, mouths, etc.

Attach elastic ribbon to hold the masks on, by making a hole, inserting ends, and knotting.

Participants can wear lion masks and enact their own, or participate in a Lion Mask Parade. Allow each child to vote for categories such as 'best mask', 'scariest mask', 'funniest mask', etc.

Chinese New Year Banners: Fun Craft Game To Display

A good activity at Children's Chinese New Year Parties is creating traditional Chinese New Year Banners. You will first need to find and print out the symbols for the words, 'Happy', 'New', and 'Year' for guests to use as a guide.

Provide long sheets of orange and red construction paper, into which you have used a hole punch to make small holes into which red or orange yarn can be inserted and tied to form a hanger.
Use black finger paint, and allow guests to create their own ""Happy New Year"" banner which may be taken home as a party favor!

Party games which incorporate a craft, and party favor into one activity are often the favorites for everyone, especially the hosts and hostesses, since it often saves time and money, two very precious commodities!

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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

Chinese New Year 2010:- Chinese New Year Is The Popular Of Traditional Chinese

Chinese New Year begins with the novel Moon on the primary day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The upcoming Chinese new year 2010 is the year of the Tiger. The new year 2010 is the ji-chou year. the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems is Jji and yin is the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches and symbols the year of the Tiger. The Chinese lunar calendar is said to be the highest sequential record in history, dating from 2600 BC. Monarch Huang Ti is thoughts to have introduced the first cycle of the zodiac. The most significant feature of the calendar, the celebration of the New Year festival, is based on the cyclical dating that is based on the track record of the fresh moon.

On the occasion of new year the whole nation feels joint as they can imagine each other's enjoyment. The Chinese New Year gets firm by the Chinese new year calendar and therefore it is sometimes called the Lunar New Year. In 2010, the Chinese Lunar Year Festival 2010 would begin from 14th of February.

On the occasion of Chinese New Year celebrations people wear red attire, decorate with poems on red paper, and give children "fortunate funds" in red envelopes. Red symbolizes fire, which according to myth can drive away terrible luck. The fireworks that shower the celebrations are fixed in a similar ancient tradition. Long ago, Chinese people lighted bamboo stalks, believing that the crackling fire would frighten wickedness spirits.

Chinese New Year Masks is very famous display the feelings and emotions of happiness associated with the festival. Chinese people all around the world usher in the New Year by cooking special food, clean their homes, purchasing new clothes and buying gift for friends and family. In the middle of all these actions, different artworks like Chinese New Year Masks colored in rich red & golden colors display the spirit of the event.The Chinese Lunar New Year is the longest chronological record in history, dating from 2600BC, when the Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the zodiac.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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/Chinese-New-Year-2010---Chinese-New-Year-Is-The-Popular-Of-Traditional-Chinese/842528

Get Complete Details of Chinese New Year Celebration

There are many different traditions of celebrating New Year in different countries, yet the fervor and the intensity remains almost same all over. While some countries like United States of America and France hold parades in order to eulogize the occasion. While Chinese and Spanish people like to have a family dinner and then going out for celebrations, natives of Brazil enjoy New Year jubilations at street with colorful props. Making loud noises, having festive food and singing and dancing on jolly tunes is certainly the highlight of the day in any country across the world. chinese new year, which is also known as spring festival is one of the most important traditional holidays. This festival starts on the first day of the first months of the Lunar month in the Chinese calendar and end on the fifteenth day. The last day of the festival is also called "Lantern festival".

The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-year cycle) much like we add an extra day on leap year. Because of this, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.

The Chinese lunar calendar is structured to represent the 12 different animals and represents the cyclical nature of time, synchronizing with the moons natural cycles as opposed to the Western Linear concept of time. Although the Chinese make use of the Western calendar, the lunar calendar is still used for festive occasions and is used extensively as part of Chinese Astrological formats and calculations. The New Years celebration ushers in the New Year and is a time of celebration to welcome the new zodiac year. For the Chinese culture, compatibility, matchmaking and luck cycles are heavily linked to a person’s astrological animal symbol. An Australian lunar gold coin is an ideal chinese new Year gift for anyone born in the relevant animal year or as a special token to bring wealth, health and happiness.

The Chinese New Year is being celebrated by pasting New Year pictures. The main objective of pasting these is to please children ands also to promote the traditional Chinese values of hard work and integrity. This way, the children from a very young age gets to learn about their cultures and also their duties. Such pictures are based on various themes, subjects and ideas. There is no particular place for making those crafts. All over the country is engaged in this profession and is being practiced from the ancient times.

Chinese New Year is not just a festival of fun and part, but also a time to welcome the new season, pray for prosperity and well being and cleanse away the any thing evil.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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.articlesbase.com/holidays-articles/lunar-new-year-2010-get-complete-details-of-chinese-new-year-celebration-1571913.html

Chinese New Year Party Games

The following make great party games for your Chinese New Year Party.

Wonderment Chinese New Year Party Games

The Wonderment game is sure to take the players of your Chinese New Year party game by awe. The Wonderment game is played with just two people in the party who will be in the know of the game, resulting in “wonderment” for all the others. First, before the commencement of this Chinese New Year game, two players need to agree on a signal word such as the word “and”. Then one of them declares that he/she is gifted with second sight and that he/she can name, through a closed door, any object touched by any person. The player then chooses a confederate as if by random, while actually selecting the other player. Then the player leaves the room and the selected player proceeds to call out different objects. The trick is to call out a variety of objects but precede the selected object with the signal word. For instance, the player can call out “table, rug, piano, footstool and chair, inkstand, lamp”, adding a lot of object names to confuse the other player. The player then touches a chair in the room and asks the other player “what am I touching now”? The player will answer “Chair” to the amazement of everyone present in the room. Of course, the player finds the right answer because the signal word “and” was spelt immediately before the word “chair”.

When played skillfully, the Wonderment Chinese New Year party game will fill your Chinese New Year party with a lot of amazement and wonder.

Postman’s Knock Chinese New Year Party Games

The Postman’s Knock Chinese New Year party game begins with one player going out of the room and giving a postman’s knock (a double knock) at the door. One of the players must stand inside and answer the knocks made. First, the player should ask the postman “Who is the letter for?” The postman then names a member of the Chinese New Year party game, usually of the opposite sex. The player then must ask the postman how many cents need to be paid. The postman replies with a number say “six”. The person for whom the letter is meant for will then pay the postman with the same number of kisses, instead of cents. The person then takes the turn as postman and the Chinese New Year party game continues.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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

Chinese New Year Tips - Gung Hay Fat Choy! (Happy New Year)

Imlek starts on February 14, 2010 and lasts for 15 days. This is China's most colorful and important event of the year. This year it is named "The Year of the Golden Tiger." There are a total of 12 animals and they rotate throughout the years. There are many activities that happen during this time. On the first night of the celebration, there are fireworks to let go of the old and bring in the new, just like we do here in the USA. Also, on this night, they open all the windows and all of the doors in the house to allow the old year to go out! They have large parades and the lion dancing sways back and forth to the beat of the drummers. On the 5th day of the new year is the Chinese Lantern Festival and it is very colorful and beautiful. You will see paper lanterns made of the animal of the year and also huge large lanterns that are displayed in their parades.

1. Clean your house well in advance of the new year. Do not sweep or clean on new years day or it will represent you sending your wealth out the door. All brooms need to placed in closets.

2. Wear red since it is believed to be a happy color and symbolizes a bright future.

3. Give red envelopes filed with crisp dollar bills to children.

4. Decorate your home with nuts and sweets on a beautiful tray. You can also add chocolate gold coins to this mix as well.

5. Entertain your friends and laugh and enjoy the evening.

6. Open every door and every window on the stroke of midnight to let out the old year.

7. Clear your mind of "clutter" this day and keep your thoughts bright and optimistic for the coming new year.

8. Don't scold your children or cry on this day for if you do, it will symbolize what your coming year will play out for you.

9. Postpone washing your hair this day as you will be washing out your good luck.

10. Display large bowls of oranges on the tables to give to your friends and family as gifts.

Lillian Too has shared her traditions with students and followers of Feng Shui during her training sessions. She has told them that early in the morning of the new year, she brings in a truck full of oranges and she rolls them from the front door straight through her whole house. She is creating her own luck by following this ancient tradition.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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=Yvonne_Phillips

The Chinese New Year Parade

All Chinese communities go ecstatic and extravagant during Chinese New Year. One of the highlights of this is events the Chinese New Year parade. The Chinese New Year Parade continues to amaze and delight the millions who witness it year after year and remains to be one of the most inspiring, most widely-celebrated events.

The Chinese New Year parade is indeed grand in every sense of the word. The young, the old, the rich and the poor crowd the streets to watch the event with excitement. The showcase of lion and dragon dances, street performers, colorful costumes, strings of fireworks, and the happy faces all make the annual parade and Chinese New Year celebration truly unforgettable.

The lion dance symbolizes the bringing in of good fortune. As the performers dance through the streets, people are also entertained by the drums and gongs. These instruments create the lively and dynamic sounds that accompany the Lion Dance. The Chinese people believe the loud drum beats awaken the legendary animal and ward off evil spirits.

Millions of spectators are also wowed by the brilliant sparkles and fireworks display as no Chinese New Year Parade is complete without them. Loud firecrackers are also set off around the lion and the dragon to banish ghosts.

In China, the dragon is considered a popular symbol for power, wisdom and luck. This is why most, if not all, Chinese people believe that they are descendants of the dragon. In the Chinese New Year Parade, the dragon is the biggest attraction. The dragon used for the special event is usually made from silk, bamboo and other colorful materials. The dragon can be as long as 100 ft. and can be carried by 50 young men on poles. It is a belief that the longer the dragon is, the better the year would be.

The Chinese New Year Parade is also where East meets West. This is because the Chinese New Year Parade also features other Non-Chinese traditions. Aside from the symbolic lion and Golden Dragon dance, the parade also features non-Chinese activities like the beauty pageant. Many people come to see the newly crowned Ms. Chinatown and her court along with the colorful Chinese-themed floats, marching bands and other Asian groups that join the parade.

How it All Started

During San Francisco's Gold Rush period, over 50,000 hopefuls came to work in the mines hoping for a better life. Among them were Chinese immigrants who later on formed friendships and ties with everyone else. These Chinese immigrants soon shared their unique culture by using the good old-fashioned American Parade. Through the help of other groups from different parts of the city, they were able to promote the rich Chinese culture.

Today, all Chinatowns across the world celebrate Chinese New Year with festivals and parades with the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade as the grandest of its kind outside of Asia. The Chinese New Year Parade has indeed come a long way.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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=RR_Ritchey

Chinese New Year Celebrations Around The World 2010

The Chinese New Year is a fifteen day celebration that falls on a different date each year as it is a combination of lunar and solar movements. It usually falls in the month of January or February. This year marks the 'Year of the Horse'. The Chinese New Year's date varies every year and falls on second new moon after the winter solstice. The date for the occasion is decided according to the calendar which is a combination of the solar and the lunar calendar. Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, cat, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar are the animals that are considered to be auspicious. Each person as is believed in the Chinese calendar resembles an animal and this reflects their traits. The Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival as it is also known is the most revered holiday of the year. This is the time when family and friends gather and offer prayers to their ancestors and deities followed by a lavish dinner to usher in the New Year. During this time, families clean their homes while feng shui believers decorate their homes accordingly. On chinese new year 2010, members of a family stay up late as legend goes that long ago; the gods in heaven would give gold to each family so they would keep awake, active and ready to accept the gold gift. Families decorate their homes with pretty vases and colorful flowers symbolizing that nature has reawakened. Oranges and tangerines are placed in the house as a sign of happiness and prosperity. A tray of candies made of eight different types of candies are placed along with these. The candies are made of lotus seeds, longan, peanuts, coconut, cumquat, red melon seeds, candied melon, etc. The traditional food that is a significant part of the Chinese New Year party includes Jai, Fish and chicken, noodles and desserts. The dinner has a symbolic meaning in which the Chinese dumplings imply wealth as they are in the shape of ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots. Jiu is the traditional hard liquor in China symbolizes longevity as also Daikon, a white radish. Red chilies symbolize good luck while rice ensures harmony. Chinese people are usually out on the roads, especially kids who wear Chinese dragon masks and go for the chinese new year calendar 2010 Dragon parade. Dragon dances are a vital part of the Chinese New Year. One man who has a 'Pearl Of Wisdom' on a pole entices the dragon to follow him to the drum beats as though searching for wisdom and knowledge. The lion dance is an equally important ritual in the consecration of any auspicious time in China. The Lantern Festival is an amazing visual display of multicolored paper lanterns created by craftsmen in designs of butterflies, dragons, birds, dragonflies and other insects or animals. The Dragon Boat Festival marks the day of a certain Chinese scholar who threw himself into the river over a political protest. Chinese New Year is not just a festival of fun and part, but also a time to welcome the new season, pray for prosperity and well being and cleanse away the any thing evil

The Chinese New Year is a fifteen day celebration that falls on a different date each year as it is a combination of lunar and solar movements. It usually falls in the month of January or February. This year marks the 'Year of the Horse'.

The Chinese New Year's date varies every year and falls on second new moon after the winter solstice. The date for the occasion is decided according to the calendar which is a combination of the solar and the lunar calendar. Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, cat, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar are the animals that are considered to be auspicious. Each person as is believed in the Chinese calendar resembles an animal and this reflects their traits.

The chinese new year or the Spring Festival as it is also known is the most revered holiday of the year. This is the time when family and friends gather and offer prayers to their ancestors and deities followed by a lavish dinner to usher in the New Year. During this time, families clean their homes while feng shui believers decorate their homes accordingly. On chinese new year 2010, members of a family stay up late as legend goes that long ago; the gods in heaven would give gold to each family so they would keep awake, active and ready to accept the gold gift.

Families decorate their homes with pretty vases and colorful flowers symbolizing that nature has reawakened. Oranges and tangerines are placed in the house as a sign of happiness and prosperity. A tray of candies made of eight different types of candies are placed along with these. The candies are made of lotus seeds, longan, peanuts, coconut, cumquat, red melon seeds, candied melon, etc. The traditional food that is a significant part of the Chinese New Year party includes Jai, Fish and chicken, noodles and desserts. The dinner has a symbolic meaning in which the Chinese dumplings imply wealth as they are in the shape of ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots. Jiu is the traditional hard liquor in China symbolizes longevity as also Daikon, a white radish. Red chilies symbolize good luck while rice ensures harmony.

Chinese people are usually out on the roads, especially kids who wear Chinese dragon masks and go for the chinese new year calendar 2010 Dragon parade. Dragon dances are a vital part of the Chinese New Year. One man who has a 'Pearl Of Wisdom' on a pole entices the dragon to follow him to the drum beats as though searching for wisdom and knowledge. The lion dance is an equally important ritual in the consecration of any auspicious time in China. The Lantern Festival is an amazing visual display of multicolored paper lanterns created by craftsmen in designs of butterflies, dragons, birds, dragonflies and other insects or animals. The Dragon Boat Festival marks the day of a certain Chinese scholar who threw himself into the river over a political protest.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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.

Chinese New Year is not just a festival of fun and part, but also a time to welcome the new season, pray for prosperity and well being and cleanse away the any thing evil.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/humor-articles/chinese-new-year-2010-get-chinese-new-year-eve-celebration-around-the-world-1668382.html

Celebration is on the Way – Chinese New Year 2010

Celebration means when everybody is in a mood how best he or she can celebrate a particular event with his or her parents, friends, spouses, relatives and lots more. The time when the whole world celebrates its New Year and busy in new parties and celebration functions on other hand Chinese community is in a plan how best they can arrange their New Year party. It is because the Imlek is on the 14th February. The main thing which cannot be ignored by one while considering Imlek is animal. Means every coming year is denoted by animal. Therefore, as per the Chinese traditional calendar, Imlek 2010 is denoted by tiger. While Imlek 2010 celebrations define how best they can arrange their parties, events and functions. As red is the favorite color for people in china that depicts their belief in good or evil, animal spirits, on gods and legendary beings. As per the upcoming Imlek calendar 2010, the coming year is the ji-chou year that reflects the combination between jji and yin. Means “Jji” is among the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and yin is among the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches. So, the coming year is denoted by Tiger. Besides Imlek, there is also one more term name Lunar New Year which is only observed by Vietnamese, Chinese and Koreans. As Lunar New Year Calendar is base on the cycle system of the moon and sun. This further deflects Imlek that can be starts from anywhere between the last week of the January and the middle of the February. So, Imlek calendar plays a vital role in fixing Imlek date which is also known as lunar new year. As per the calendar lunar new year 2010 festival is start from the 14th of February. In the moment the entire nation comes together that make them feel of each other's pleasure. It is only time when Chinese people takes weeks of holidays to celebrate this big even with their near and dear. During this event you will find people with red clothes giving gifts to each other and making lot of fire works. Here 365celebration defines complete information about the importance of Imlek celebration, Imlek greeting cards, chinese valentines day cards and lots more related to event and new year celebrations.

Celebration means when everybody is in a mood how best he or she can celebrate a particular event with his or her parents, friends, spouses, relatives and lots more. The time when the whole world celebrates its New Year and busy in new parties and celebration functions on other hand Chinese community is in a plan how best they can arrange their New Year party. It is because the Imlek is on the 14th February. The main thing which cannot be ignored by one while considering Imlek is animal. Means every coming year is denoted by animal. Therefore, as per the Chinese traditional calendar, Imlek 2010 is denoted by tiger.

While Imlek 2010 celebrations define how best they can arrange their parties, events and functions. As red is the favorite color for people in china that depicts their belief in good or evil, animal spirits, on gods and legendary beings. As per the upcoming Imlek calendar 2010, the coming year is the ji-chou year that reflects the combination between jji and yin. Means “Jji” is among the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and yin is among the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches. So, the coming year is denoted by Tiger.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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.articlesbase.com/humor-articles/celebration-is-on-the-way-chinese-new-year-2010-1699142.html

Imlek For 15 Days

The first day of the Lunar New Year is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth."Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the new year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.

On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.

The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law.

The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck.

On the sixth to the 10th day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health.


The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.

On the eighth day the Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.

The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor.

The 10th through the 12th are days that friends and relatives should be invited for dinner. After so much rich food, on the 13th day you should have simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse the system.

The 14th day should be for preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival which is to be held on the 15th night.

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 Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek 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.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/15-day_celebration.html

Chinese New Year Celebrations

The Chinese New Year history is rich and diverse. This year the Chinese New Year is on February 8th.The Chinese New Year is very similar to the Western one, wrapped in traditions and rituals. The history of the Chinese New Year is so old that its origins are lost in the mists of time. It is popularly recognized as the Spring Festival and celebrations last 15 days.It is said that in ancient times, the feudal rulers placed great importance on Chinese New Year celebrations and organized grand ceremonies to mark this event.

Preparations tend to begin a month from the date of the Chinese New Year as people start buying presents, decoration materials, food and clothing. A huge clean-up gets underway days before the New Year , when Chinese houses are cleaned from top to bottom, to sweep away any traces of bad luck, and doors and windowpanes are given a new coat of paint, usually red. The doors and windows are then decorated with paper cuts and couplets with themes such as happiness, wealth and longevity printed on them.

In the history it's mentioned that Chinese peasants eagerly wait for this day because it is on this day that the kitchen God is supposed to depart away to the lord of heaven (known as to the Jade Emperor) to report about the family. During his absence-that is, the period in which He leaves the kitchen only to return in the New Year -the family members clean up the house and make a fresh start to welcome the God as well as the new promising year.

Historically speaking, the Chinese New Year Day has practically been regarded as the only day of the year when China's hard-working peasants allowed themselves to rest.

The eve of the Chinese New Year is perhaps the most exciting part of the event in the history of time, as anticipation creeps in. Here, traditions and rituals are very carefully observed in everything from food to clothing. Dinner is usually a feast of seafood and dumplings, signifying different good wishes. Delicacies include prawns, for liveliness and happiness, dried oysters (or ho xi), for all things good, raw fish salad or yu sheng to bring good luck and prosperity.

It's usual to wear something red as this color is meant to ward off evil spirits - but black and white are out, as these are associated with mourning. After dinner, the family sit up for the night playing cards, board games or watching TV programmes dedicated to the occasion. At midnight, fireworks to mark the Chinese New Year welcome light up the sky.

On the Chinese New Year day itself in history , an ancient custom called Hong Bao, meaning Red Packet, takes place. This involves married couples giving children and unmarried adults money in red envelopes. Then the family begins to wish greetings from door to door, first to their relatives and then their neighbours. Like the Western saying "let bygones be bygones," at Chinese New Year , grudges are very easily cast aside.

The end of the New Year is marked by the Festival of Lanterns, which is a celebration with singing, dancing and lantern shows.

Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek Parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

chinese new year tradition in the office environment also marked by Giving Imlek 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.

Although celebrations of the Chinese New Year vary, the underlying message is one of peace and happiness for family members and friends.

http://www.123chinesenewyear.com/chinesenewyear/history/