History of Chinese New Year 追溯历史：名叫“年”的怪兽

　　Chinese New Year has a very interesting and unique history. According to the Chinese legends, there was a giant beast Nian who used to swallow humans in a single bite. Relief from the horrifying beast came only when people realized that Nian was scared of red color and loud noises. They started bursting crackers and used red color to scare the beast. Since then, this day was named as GuNian meaning "Pass over the Nian". Chinese considered the day an auspicious one as it brought new life for them and celebrated it as a New Year.

　　Chinese New Year Dates 农历新年，年年不同

　　Chinese New Year falls on a different date every year. Chinese calendar is a combination of solar and lunar calendar. Chinese New Year falls on second new moon after the winter solstice（冬至）. Chinese calendar has a 12 year cycle and each year is named after animal. Chinese believe that every person resembles an animal and this reflects their traits. Year 2006 was the Year of the Dog. People born on this date are said to be very loyal and trustworthy.

　　Chinese New Year Celebrations 新年找乐，日日不同

　　Lot of excitement can be seen in the last 15 days of New Year celebrations. Every day has a special importance to it. Chinese ritualize and celebrate each day in a customary manner. Given below are the line wise celebrations of the New Year in China:

　　年初一：祭拜天地

　　Day 1: People began their day by offering prayers and welcome the gods of heaven and earth. Most of the people stay away from meat to ensure healthy living.

　　年初二：狗狗过生日

　　Day 2: Successively, prayers are offer to their ancestors and other gods. Chinese are strict care-taker of dogs and feed them well. This is day is considered to be the birthday of all dogs.

　　初三初四：走亲访友，媳妇回娘家　

　　Day 3 and 4: These are very important days for the families to keep up their relations. It calls for every son-in-law to pay respect to their parents-in-law.

　　年初五：“破五”祭财神

　　Day 5: According to the traditions, nobody visits friends and relatives houses as it would bring bad omen. They stay back home to worship the God of wealth. The day is called Po Woo.

　　年初六：百无禁忌，出门活动筋骨

　　Day 6: On this day, people freely meet their near and dear ones and even visit nearby temples to pray for their well being and high spirits.

　　年初七：吃面条，祝长寿

　　Day 7: This is Chinese farmers’ day. They display their backbreaking produce. They also prepare a drink from seven different types of vegetables. On this day, everybody eats noodles which is a symbol of long life and fish representing success.

　　年初八：凌晨拜天公

　　Day 8: It’s an other day to be celebrated with the family and friends. They also offer midnight prayers to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.

　　年初九：玉皇大帝登场

　　Day 9: Prayers are offered to Jade Emperor.

　　初十、十一、十二、十三：大吃大喝，最后记得回归清淡

　　Days 10 to 13: From 10 to 12, people celebrate the days by having sumptuous dinner with the loved ones and the 13th day is left for a very light dinner to cleanse the system.

　　年十四：准备闹元宵

　　Day 14: People start preparing for the celebration of Lantern Festival to be held on next day.

　　年十五：吃元宵看灯火

　　Day 15: Since it is the first night to see full moon, people hang out colorful lanterns, eat glutinous rice balls and enjoy the day with their families.