2. Presented by Mrs. Spar’s Class

3. Xin nian hao! This is the Chinese greeting for the New Year celebrated in the beginning of the year. It simply means “Happy New Year.” Taylor

4. New Year is special because every Chinese person celebrates the New Year holiday. MaryElena

5. To welcome visitors to their home, many families put out a special tray of food known as the Tray of Togetherness. Amber

6. Chinese New Year has been celebrated for more than 4,000 years. It grew out of the ancient celebration marking the end of the winter and the beginning of the spring. Robbie

7. The Chinese New Year celebration gives the Chinese people a chance to renew friendships, plan for the year ahead, and celebrate their Chinese heritage. Lauren

8. On New Year’s Day, Chinese families setup an alter in the house. They place things that have special meaning to them on the alter.. Samantha

9. A three–day Lantern Festival ends the Chinese New Year celebration in China. People hang lanterns in the streets which are made of paper, glass, or silk. Tiana

10. One of the most important New Years traditions is honoring ancestors. Honoring those family members is an important part of the celebration. Matthew H.

11. On the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve every door in the house and windows have to be open to allow the old year out. Jordyn

12. On New Year’s Day, families break the seals ontheir doors. They open their doors to let in goodluck.KarlOn New Year’s Day, families break the seals ontheir doors. They open their doors to let in goodluck.Karl

13. Red clothing is preferred on New Years Eve, because red is considered a bright happy color sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. Karl

14. On the first day of the Chinese New Year family and friends go visiting. They bring oranges, tangerines, and sweets for gifts. Daniel

15. On New Year’s Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are put away. The entire house is cleaned before New Year’s Eve to allow the good luck to enter into the family’s house. Jenny

16. In China, New Year is the most important holiday, however, it is observed all over the world. Brendan

17. Chinese children are given money in red Envelopes at New Year’s time, similar to the way children receive holiday presents. Christian

18. People born in the year of the Ox are considered to be patient, soft spoken, and inspire confidence in others. People born under the Ox are mentally and physically alert. Lindsay

19. The Lion Dance has been an importanttradition in China since 100 A.D.ChelseaThe Lion Dance has been an importanttradition in China since 100 A.D.Chelsea

20. The Chinese New Year’s parade is an opportunity for the Chinese community to share its culture with everyone. Ryan

21. Chinese families decorate their houses for the New Year by hanging up red and yellow banners called scrolls. On the scrolls they write good wishes for the family. Matthew Z