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 ( 農曆新年 ). Ends on the 15th day, known as the Lantern Festival ( 元宵節 )

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 豬 (Joo or “D”) 鼠 牛 虎 兔 龍 蛇馬 羊 猴 雞 狗 豬鼠 牛 虎 兔 龍 蛇馬 羊 猴 雞 狗 豬

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 Year’s Eve ( 除夕 Chu shi ) This Saturday Red envelopes ( 紅包 “Hong bao” or “Ang Pao” ) containing money ( 壓歲錢 Ya shui chian )

6. Superstitions and Beliefs Stay up all night on New Year’s 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 剪髮 vs 剪發 (to cut your fortune) Buying books 書 vs 輸 (to lose) Break dishes 碎 vs 歲 ( 歲歲平安 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 恭喜 (Gong-shi), 過年 (Guo-Nien ) 年

8. “Visiting” Gift Why???

9. Night Market

12. “Red Pocket Money”

13. “New Year Poetry”

15. Happy New Year 新年快樂