The Chinese year of 4704 starts this year on Jan. 29 and runs through Feb 12. Thus begins the Year of the Dog or, adding the corresponding element, the Year of the Fire Dog. Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days. This ancient festival dates back in time so far that the origins cannot be traced. The focus of this celebration of the New Year is the making of resolutions. So, if you have broken a few since January 1, this is your second chance to exert your will power.

Similar to Christmas, people start buying presents, decorations, clothing and food a month before the actual date of the Chinese New Year. Cleanliness is an important part of this festival, so houses are cleaned from top to bottom. The tradition is that sweeping and cleaning remove any traces of bad luck. Traditionally, dirt gets swept toward the middle of the floor and then is carried outside. If the dirt is swept out the door, luck could get swept out with it. Oftentimes, doors and windowpanes are repainted with red paint, and then decorated with cut out shapes with words such as happiness, longevity, and wealth printed on them.

Actually, just like the western New Year, the most exciting part of the holiday is the eve before. Seafood and dumplings are traditional fair for New Year’s Eve dinner, which also includes, prawns representing liveliness and happiness, dried oysters representing all things good, raw fish salad and Angel hair seaweed for good luck and prosperity, and dumplings boiled in water which signify a long-lost wish for a family.

A dish of candy called a "Tray of Togetherness" is displayed and shared with guests. Each type of candy represents something positive for the new year: candied melon - growth and good health red melon seed - dyed red to symbolize joy, happiness, truth and sincerity lychee nut - strong family relationships cumquat - prosperity (gold) coconut �?togetherness peanuts - long life longnan - many good sons lotus seed - many children

Red is the color of the evening. Red in Chinese tradition represents fire and is thought to ward off evil spirits, whereas black and white are associated with grief and mourning. Families sit up all night, playing cards and games and watching celebrations of the Chinese New Year on TV. Midnight fireworks light the skies with bright color.

The Chinese New Year Day begins at home, with married couples handing out money in red envelopes called lai see, to children and single adults. Families then travel to visit with relatives and friends and neighbors. Oranges and tangerines are symbols for abundant happiness. During the New Year's celebration, people bring bags of oranges and tangerines when visiting family or friends. Tangerines with leaves intact assure that relationships remain secure. Old resentments, grudges and disputes are cast aside on this day of peace and happiness.

On the 15th day of the month the Festival of Lanterns is held as the culmination of the holiday season. The legend of the Lantern Festival dates back to the Han Dynasty over 2000 years ago.

In the most popular version of the legend, the Jade Emperor in heaven gets very angry with a town for killing his favorite goose. In his rage, he decides to send a storm of fire to destroy the town. Enter a compassionate fairy that had heard about the Emperor’s plans. She warns the townspeople of the oncoming disaster, and tells them to light lanterns throughout the town on the day of the Emperor’s vengeance. The townspeople comply and light the lanterns. As the Jade Emperor looks down and sees what he thinks is the village on fire, he decides that the town has already met its fate and moves on.

From that day onwards, people have celebrated that day by carrying lanterns of different shapes and colors through the street on the first full moon of the year. A parade is held, with many people dressed as dragons, a sign of luck. Lion dances, dragon dances and fireworks are all part of the merriment and festivities.

Love and Light..