Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is the biggest festival in the Chinese calendar and is sometimes called the Spring Festival. It's based on the solar and lunar cycles, so the date differs every year. This year, Chinese New Year falls on 26 January.
Each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by 1 of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. 2009 is the Year of the Ox. Celebrations start with the new moon on the first day of the New Year, and continue until the full moon 15 days later.
The first Chinese communities in Britain date back to the 1850s when a Chinese seaman set up bases for tea trading. Today you'll find strong and vibrant 'Chinatowns' in most large cities forming part of our everyday culture. Chinese New Year celebrations are traditionally led by our Chinese communities, but the festival is part of the British calendar and enjoyed by everyone.
On the days leading up to New Year, people clean their houses, sweeping away bad luck and making room for good luck to arrive. New Year's Eve is traditionally celebrated with an elaborate meal hosted in the home of the most senior family member.
New Year's Day centres on 'welcoming the Gods of heaven and earth'. People often don't eat meat on this day as this is believed to bring a long and happy life. The endless explosions of fire crackers are said to ward off evil spirits and are also a sign of getting rid of the old and welcoming the new.
One of the most dazzling events of the New Year is the 'Lion Dance' which passes through the streets bringing good luck and wealth to the houses and businesses it visits. The last day of the New Year celebrations is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and parades.
>> Chinese New Year events in Britain - top celebrations around the country.
>> What's your sign? - find out which animal you are in the Chinese zodiac.