I would like to wish those who celebrate a very joyful and prosperous new year! Chinese New Year (often called Chinese Lunar New Year) falls on a different date each year and it's a 15 day celebration involving; fire crackers to scare away all evil spirits, handing out red envelopes "leisee" with money inside intended for lucky money and giving oranges and tangerines to families and friends as it symbolizes wealth and good fortune. One of my happiest childhood memories of Chinese New Year is watching my mother listen to her Chinese music and putting together a feast serving dishes that includes "the five blessings of the new year” for our family to enjoy.
The dates chosen for Chinese new Year are based on the lunar calendar and every year has its own corresponding animal from the Chinese zodiac, a cycle of 12 animals. 2011 is the year of the rabbit, which means this year is all about you and me since I'm a rabbit also! :) Your zodiac sign is the rabbit if you were born in the following years: 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023.
Gong Hay Fat Choy!
Photo by International Examiner
Sweet Planning!
Linda
