1. Chinese New Year Historical Background By Christopher Lin

2. Background Information Centuries old event. Most Significant holiday. Largest human migration. A 15 day long celebration starting from 1/1 (Sunday) of the Lunar Calendar ( ). Ends on the 15th day, known as the Lantern Festival ( )

3. The Zodiac Similar to the Western Zodiac of the 12 astrological signs. 12 Zodiac animals: Mouse, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Boar. Coming year Boar (Joo or D)

4. Public Holidays 7 days in China 5 days in Taiwan 3 days in Hong Kong and Macau 2 days in Malaysia and Singapore

5. Purpose A time of reunion with family. Reunion dinner on New Years Eve ( Chu shi ) This Saturday Red envelopes ( Hong bao or Ang Pao ) containing money ( Ya shui chian )

6. Superstitions and Beliefs Stay up all night on New Years Eve. It is considered very unlucky to: Sweep the floor on the 1 st five days of New Year Talk of the deceased Getting a hair cut vs (to cut your fortune) Buying books vs (to lose) Break dishes vs ( sui sui ping an )

7. The Story of Nien A ferocious beast called Nien Comes out from the sea every year to eat people The people drove Nien away with Red, Fire and Noises. Greeting: Congratulations (Gong-shi), (Guo-Nien )

8. Visiting Gift Why???

9. Night Market

12. Red Pocket Money

13. New Year Poetry

15. Happy New Year