The 5th February is the start of the Chinese New Year, and this year they celebrate the Year of The Pig.
Although it is still very wintery the Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival and supposedly marks the end of coldest days!
The people of China often celebrate the New Year by letting off firecrackers. Legend has it that in days gone by, on New Years Eve, a monster named Nian stalked the land, causing the people to hide away in their homes, until one brave lad decided to set off fireworks to frighten him away. It was so successful that the practice became a crucial part of the spring Festival.
The Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days and the event is said to cause the largest migration in the world as people travel home to spend the time with their families.
The day before the Spring Festival is a day for cleaning, sweeping out the bad luck to make way for the good luck to come in. However, on the day itself you are discouraged from cleaning or throwing out rubbish in case you throw your good luck away!
Scott Vevers wish you all a very lucky and Happy New Year: 新年快乐
