January 29, 2006 is the first day of the Chinese New Year. The Chinese calendar has been in continuous use for centuries, which predates the International Calendar (based on the Gregorian calendar) we use at the present day. It is Year 4703 by Chinese calendar.

The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. To "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese, one has to insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.

The Chinese calendar has a 12 year cycle and each year is named after an animal. People born in each of these years are said to have certain characteristics, very much like the signs of the zodiac. The year 2006 is the Year of the Dog. People born in the Year of the Dog are said to be very loyal and are able to keep a secret. To the Chinese, dogs symbolize justice and equality.

Even though it’s called “Chinese” New Year, this celebration is done throughout Asia or where ever there are Asian looking people! New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family. Special foods are served. Most people stay up late and set off fireworks late at night to scare away evil spirits.

It is very important for Asians to start the New Year right, especially the first three days of the ten-day celebrations (and months of preparation). We welcome all things that bring positive energy and avoid all negatives. To prepare for the New Year, we clean our houses thoroughly, give it a fresh coat of paint if necessary, and repay any money we owe, get a fresh hair cut, and buy new clothes. We decorate our houses with flowers in abundance and red paper signs with ancient calligraphy that wish peace and luck for the coming year. Every household should have live blooming plants, as many as possible, to symbolize rebirth, new growth and prosperity. We pay visits to each other. Food and fruit items are abundant, from fresh fruit to candied fruits arranged in trays. The tray is arranged in either a circle or octagon to start the New Year sweetly. Each item represents some kind of good fortune. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. It is strongly believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year. Children and unmarried friends, as well as close relatives are given lai see, little red envelopes with crisp new money, for good fortune. I think that’s how I develop the fondness of the smell of new dollar bill!

Taboos and Superstitions

• For those most superstitious, before leaving the house to call on others on New Year’s Day, the Almanac should be consulted to find the best time to leave the home and the direction which is most auspicious to head out.

• The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year. To avoid having someone “unfavorable” visiting us first on New Year’s Day, we usually made our departure from the house in the right direction right after midnight so we were the one to cross the threshold of our house!

• We do not use knives or scissors on New Year's Day as this may cut off fortune. All food items are prepared in bite size portions from the start or sliced with thread.

• The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. After New Year's Day, the floors may be swept.

• All debts had to be paid by this time. Nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year.

• Everyone should refrain from using foul language and bad or unlucky words (this practice should be all life long!)

• While many Asian people today may not believe in these do's and don'ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced. These traditions and customs are kept because most families realize that it is these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide continuity with the past and provide the family with an identity.

May This Chinese New Year bring you much Prosperity, Health and Happiness