Chinese New Year 2012

By: Khairul Zhafri Bin Zuhairi

Chinese new year is one of the largest celebration in the world. This year they celebrate the year of the dragon. The year of the dragon comes but once every 12 years. Each year corresponds with an animal of the Chinese Zodiac. The rotation of the animals is on a 12-year cycle. The animal for any given year holds significance for those who are born in that year.

The dragon symbol of power

In Malaysia, everyone, irrespective of race get to celebrate the Chinese New Year by showing up at open houses held around the country. This is one occasion when even political leaders from opposing camps mingle together, forgetting their differences and share the festive cheer with the people.

 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.

Gather and eat together

In the chinese new year eve they will get together with close family members, open every door and window in your home at midnight to let go of the old year.

The person who not married yet will receive angpao

On New Year's Day, people visit family members and friends to wish them luck in the New Year. They say "Gung hay fat choy," which means, "May you prosper." Children receive red envelopes called lai see with gifts of money inside.

                                        Fireworks in the Chinese new year eve

Firecrackers are the final touch to the entire festive season. Without them the Chinese New Year would be incomplete. There is no denying the fact that the Chinese New Year holds immense traditional importance for the Chinese people.

                                                     The Lantern festival 

Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days and conclude with the Lantern Festival. This is when people gather to watch parades of lanterns and dancing dragons or lions. The parades are filled with Chinese New Year songs and dances.