Chinese New Year Tips

Chinese New Year starts on February 14, 2010 and lasts for 15 days. This is China's most colorful and important event of the year. This year it is named "The Year of the Golden Tiger." There are a total of 12 animals and they rotate throughout the years. There are many activities that happen during this time. On the first night of the celebration, there are fireworks to let go of the old and bring in the new, just like we do here in the USA. Also, on this night, they open all the windows and all of the doors in the house to allow the old year to go out! They have large parades and the lion dancing sways back and forth to the beat of the drummers. On the 5th day of the new year is the Chinese Lantern Festival and it is very colorful and beautiful. You will see paper lanterns made of the animal of the year and also huge large lanterns that are displayed in their parades.

1. Clean your house well in advance of the new year. Do not sweep or clean on new years day or it will represent you sending your wealth out the door. All brooms need to placed in closets.

2. Wear red since it is believed to be a happy color and symbolizes a bright future.

3. Give red envelopes filed with crisp dollar bills to children.

4. Decorate your home with nuts and sweets on a beautiful tray. You can also add chocolate gold coins to this mix as well.

5. Entertain your friends and laugh and enjoy the evening.

6. Open every door and every window on the stroke of midnight to let out the old year.

7. Clear your mind of "clutter" this day and keep your thoughts bright and optimistic for the coming new year.

8. Don't scold your children or cry on this day for if you do, it will symbolize what your coming year will play out for you.

9. Postpone washing your hair this day as you will be washing out your good luck.

10. Display large bowls of oranges on the tables to give to your friends and family as gifts.

Lillian Too has shared her traditions with students and followers of Feng Shui during her training sessions. She has told them that early in the morning of the new year, she brings in a truck full of oranges and she rolls them from the front door straight through her whole house. She is creating her own luck by following this ancient tradition.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yvonne_Phillips

A Big Festival In Chinese New Year 2010

The Chinese New Year is celebrated for about fifteen days is one moment in the year. On this very special day the whole nation join hands and feel united to celebrate the coming happiness and the farewell of going year. The Chinese New Year gets recognized by the Chinese New Year calendar. In other words Chinese New Year calendar is also called as the Lunar New Year. As every one knows the significance of this day the working people in china can take weeks of holidays so that they can enjoy this day by grand celebration with there families and there near ones by some get together. Although with the changing times the celebration way of this New Year day is getting a bit changed but as everybody still very fervently follows all the customs that their elders have taught them. It is often called the Lunar New Year by people in mainland China and Taiwan. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Lunar Calendar.

The origin of Chinese New Year is centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most. The New Year is the year of tiger as the religious myths says. It is also said that those who have born on this day have the nature of acceptance, broadminded and daring in nature. The New Year celebration includes the traditional dance form of china that is dragon dance performed by the people. On this day every one forgets the grudges there hearts and meet all the peoples whom they love.

The "Nian Gao" is New Year Cake which is specially made for this day with flour and eggs. It is said that as large as the cake the year would me more prosperous. This day have importance in every ones life as many made resolutions and follow them. At some places there are parties which are organized. It is the most remarkable day as the clock touches the 12:00 the day of New Year starts with the smile on every ones face and with lots of wishes. For people in china it is also known as ji-chou year. Here jji is the sixth of the ten Celestial steam and the yin is the third of two twelve territories branches and marks the year of tiger.

The Chinese calendar is based on the combination of lunar and solar movement. The lunar cycle is about of 29.5 days. It is also that the Chinese calendar and lunar calendar shows the different year for the New Year so as to match up both the Chinese calendar are inserted extra months that is seven years out of 19 year cycle. the track of the new moon changes from year to year that is why Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid-February.

All the people who have something special set for the day are ready to work on that. Like some have planes for engagements and some to start new work. The new year of china is the most amazing time to watch as every street is decorated with lots of flowers and lost of lights. Its like new life in return of old days. The tiger in 2010is for any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome and is to look forward to a year in which there is a real shine either personally or professionally. People have many expectations from this year and look forward to make it the most of it. The next day of Chinese new year is special for the married daughters as they have opportunity to visit their parents because traditionally daughters who are married are not allowed to visit there parents frequently. In short note the Chinese New Year is a symbol of happiness and joy for every people and the live this moment at the fullest.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/A-Big-Festival-Is-Coming-Chinese-New-Year-2010/934278

Mask and Chinese Culture

Even in this day and age Chinese Masks are used within two main elements of Chinese culture. The New Year masks which are worn by Chinese people to welcome the new year throughout the world. And the Opera masks which are painted and drawn on the faces of the actors and singers and are used to depict the traits and characteristics of the role each actor is playing.

Chinese New Years masks are not seen at any other time of the year. The exciting and extravagant Chinese New Year can last for a week or longer and ends with the Yuanxiao which is a lantern festival. The masks used depict the moods and emotion of enjoyment and happiness which tie in with the ceremonies and festival. Chinese people typically will buy presents, buy new clothes and cook expensive meals for the new year period. Throughout this period many works of art and crafts like the Chinese masks in their rich and vivid colors are worn and displayed to show the nature of the festivity.

Chinese Masks are made up of numerous materials like stones and metals, leather and cloth, paper and grass and more. They are then painted in different color themes and designs. Some masks may represent animal or human characteristics like the lion or the dragon. Red is also a popular color, thought to bring prosperity and many red masks will be seen during the celebrations.

Chinese New Year is based in lore of deities, spirits, good and evil beings and animal ancestors. Masks commonly depict these characteristics and powers and are held in high esteem during the ceremonies and dances involved in the Chinese New Year.

The dragon holds special significance at new years and is a bringer of good luck and fortune, especially for farming and harvesting and is also the bringer of rain. The New Years celebrations mark the beginning of the planting and farming seasons in China, and so the two tie closely together.

The dragon mask is a key symbol of fortune and prosperity for the New Year. The dragon mask is an important part of Chinese heritage and specifically New Year parades. While the dragon mask may not hold the same importance that it did during ancient times, no present day New Years parade is without it.

The dragon mask began as this kind of symbol, but through the centuries the role of the mask in Chinese society has changed. The mask is no longer seen as such an important part of agricultural prosperity today, but it is still a very important symbol to the Chinese people.

The dragon masks used during parades are commonly very complex and elaborate with vivid colors, usually in gold, red and blue with fur and feathers headed by the large dragon mask which usually features bright red. A traditional dragon mask will typically have either a wide rounded mouth or a yawning jaw. The person at the head of the dragon dance procession will wear the mask or hold it above his or her head as the dragon dances and snakes along through the streets.

The other type of masks in Chinese culture are the modern Chinese Opera masks which are either painted on or are worn as thin cloth masks. The tradition of facial make up started from totems created centuries ago times which later became facial paintings. Basic depictions of painted faces were discovered in tomb murals during the Song dynasty. Later this evolved and as the paints improved, along with the skills of the painters and crafters and the tools they used the masks evolved to don full color themes and designs and came to depict different artistic roles, different emotions and different moods.

Frequently used facial make ups include yellow which represents cruelty, Silver and Gold which are typically used to represent gods and demons and for spirits and ghosts, blue which is vigor and valor and green which depicts justice and chivalry. These color themes have remained the same for ages and were handed down and refined throughout the ages of Chinese art, culture and history.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Bluestone

Tradition Unique Chinese New Year in Chinese Singapore

Singapore is 75 percent Chinese, the most concentration of ethnic Chinese outside China and its territories, and explains why Chinese New Year is the most widely observed tradition in multicultural Singapore. But Singapore is not China, so that their Chinese New Year celebrations are anything but similar.

Celebrated between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20, Chinese New Year marks the transition from winter to summer in Singapore, the start of the New Year in the lunar calendar used by the Chinese, and is sometimes referred to in Singapore as the Spring Festival.

Chinese New Year, as in China, is considered a major holiday in Singapore, a time of year when most shops and commercial centers in Singapore are closed. Celebrations of the Chinese New Year are composed of the traditional firecrackers and feasts, Chinese style. Singapore Chinese that is.

Accompanying the firecrackers is the world-famous Lion Dance of China. A typical Lion dance seen in Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore imitates kung fu moves, itself an age-old Chinese tradition.

Throughout the festival, the Singapore district of Beach Road in Bugis and the Singapore Chinatown experience intermittent firecracker roar, as some sort of herald to the Lion Dance roaming the district. There is nothing like Bugis and Chinatown in Singapore during the Spring Festival.

For accommodations in a Singapore hotel deep in the heart of the Chinese New Year celebrations, Singapore visitors can log on to the official website of the Beach Road and find a hotel in Singapore that is in the vicinity of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

By nightfall, the firecrackers are put in a sharp counterpoint with the merrymakings of the revelers in the Chingay Parade of Dreams at the Esplanade Park in the eastern district of Singapore, an outdoor party that Singapore has added to the vibrant atmosphere of the traditional Chinese New Year.

Usually held to cap off the Chinese New Year in Singapore, the parade is set in a grand scale that rivals the Mardi Gras, complete with painted faces, colorful costumes, festive music, and a palpable air of cheer.

Another aspect of the Singapore Chinese New Year is the cultural expo at the Esplanade Park. Called the River Hong Bao, this exposition in Singapore of the Chinese culture is named after the cash-bearing red envelopes handed out during the festivities.

With Chinese cuisines, cultural performances top-billed by the Theater Group of Tibet, and elaborate Chinese myths and legends brought to life through various art forms, the River Hong Bao is indeed a bearer of treasure for most people living in Singapore.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jojo_Robles

The Meaning of The Title Contains a Special Meal at Each Point in The New Year Tradition Chinese

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival is celebrated every January, usually towards the end of the month or sometimes in the middle of the western world's calendar.

As with all Chinese celebrations, the Chinese New Year revolves around food - the preparation and eating of food. It is customary as soon as a guest enters a Chinese person's home, to ask them if they are hungry or if they have eaten. The Chinese New Year meal is extremely elaborate.

Beginning on New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion feast that generally includes nian gao a rice pudding cake-like creation that is somewhat sticky and is said to help people move ahead to a higher arrangement and wealth, step by step.

Northern China gave the New Year's Eve celebration the dumplings or Jiao Zi which look like the golden coins yuan bao for money during the Ming Dynasty and to pronounce the word correctly, it sounds like the name for the earliest paper money used. So people believe serving them at New Year's Eve will bring everyone prosperity and wealth.

In order to claim they have money at the changing of the New Year, people will eat their 'money food' at midnight. In addition, several cooks will hide a clean coin in one of the dumplings for a lucky person to find. In addition, to insure they will have good fortune in the upcoming New Year and to avoid misfortunes, most of the dishes are prepared with whole foods; nothing is cut upon with a knife, using anything like a knife or cleaver during the holiday is considered unlucky.

Long noodles are used at the table in order to guarantee each person at the New Year's table will have a long, healthy life. Happiness, longevity and prosperity all seem to show up in the names of the dishes served at the Chinese New Year meal. Hoe see fat choy is hair seaweed with dried oysters and sounds like good business and wealth. When visiting a family, couple or individual on the Chinese New Year, it is customary to bring a gift such as oranges or tangerines because their Chinese names sound like wealth or gold.

Fish is another staple of the Chinese New Year's meal, although it is never fully eaten to insure that the family has a year of good fortune and the fish is always carp because it symbolizes a profitable year ahead.
There is always a platter of either five meats or five vegetables which is symbolic of the five blessings of the New Year - riches, longevity, virtue, wisdom and peace.

During the week long celebration, each family keeps their dinning table filled with sweets and savory specialties to offer quests as they stop by. Another tray is filled with delicious treats such as sweetened lotus roots which symbolize abundance, sweetened lotus seeds which symbolize fertility and dried melon fruit which is a symbol for profuse earnings in addition to various sweet treats, candies which are a sign of long-term sweetness.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayme_Squier

The Chinese New Year Marked With River Hongbao

Heading in to its 24th year in 2009 as Singapores main Chinese New Year tradition, River Hongbao is once again set to bring the city to life. Starting 15 days ahead of the Chinese New Year this massive festival features a wealth of music, song and dance combined with a range of events to mark the occasion.

Come 12th February the Esplanade Waterfront Promenade and the Marina Bay Floating Platform will be emblazoned with a vibrant presentation of Chinese culture. Each year the streets are lined with traditional red Chinese lanterns, while dragons and other creatures prance in parades as music resonates through the air. Fireworks are another integral part of the festivities and light up the sky in style providing a sparklingly eye catching lightshow. Visitors will find the atmosphere during the most important festival of the year truly electric and will last till the 20th of February.

Visitors will also see an array of lanterns throughout the area of the event including some in the form of the animal of the year which for 2010 is the Tiger. Other effigies that can be seen here include the God of Fortune and the other animals from the Chinese zodiac. Musical performances that grace the festival each year include both local and international artists which in addition to traditional Chinese dance and music.

The festival offers visitors a choice of shopping and dining options through the various stalls that are located here. Items that can be purchased include artistic handicrafts straight from China and more relating to the Chinese New Year. Food Street on the other hand is filled with stalls that offer mouth watering cuisine in addition to demonstrations on how to prepare such delicacies.

Attending River Hongbao also presents an opportunity to glimpse Chinese customs and practices firsthand during the most important festival of the year.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/River-Hongbao-2010-----Marking-The-Chinese-New-Year/924569

Get Information about New Year 2010

New Year is fast approaching and all of us must be wondering on how we can make our forthcoming days all the more happier and blissful. Making new resolutions, planning for the new year party, purchasing New Year gifts etc consume most of our days prior to the occasion. Despite the yellow leaves, chilly mornings and cool winds breezing through, every heart holds warmth of mirth and enthusiasm in it. Irrelevant of cast, creed, religion and region people celebrate New Year in the most grand manner. The bygone year is bidden farewell to and the new year is embraced with arms wide open.

New Year History :

A secular festival like New Year has a very ancient historic past attached to it. One of the earliest New Year celebrations was recorded in Mesopotamia in around 2000 B.C. But, it is considered that the celebrations of that New Year took place in the month of Spring on the first New Moon night. Whereas, a similar kind of celebration took place in Egypt and Persia on the Equinox, which falls in the month of winter season. The trend continued for many subsequent years until in around 150 B.C Romans fixed 1st January as the date to commence the cycle of the Gregorian New Year. The great King Julius Caesar made this attempt, which is followed till date. Thus, it is one of the old pagan festivals in the world.

New Year Traditions & Celebrations : However, there are many different traditions of celebrating New Year in different countries, yet the fervor and the intensity remains almost same all over. While some countries like United States of America and France hold parades in order to eulogize the occasion. While Chinese and Spanish people like to have a family dinner and then going out for celebrations, natives of Brazil enjoy New Year jubilations at street with colorful props. Making loud noises, having festive food and singing and dancing on jolly tunes is certainly the highlight of the day in any country across the world.

New Year Day Gifts :

New Year day gifts are an expression of wishing all luck and happiness in the upcoming year. There is no scarcity of New Year gifts in the market. Make this New Year all the more special with exquisite decorative items, floral gifts, motivational gifts, good luck charm gifts and even ready to give New Year gift baskets. To lend to your gift a special, personalized feel add a New Year Day card to it. Enticing range of greeting cards are available at a gift shop near you. You can also send free New Year greetings via internet as many websites offer such a facility.

New Year 2010 :

This time, New Year 2010 is going to fall on Thursday taking along a bundle of joy and energy so that we are full on stock for the rest of the year. There is a beautiful aura set on 31st December, that is the New Year Eve of every year. As soon as the right time would come, balloons will be released in the air, screaming sounds will be heard and firecracker show will be gracing the sky. Let us resolute ourselves to sustain the same happiness throughout the year.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/holidays-articles/get-complete-information-about-new-year-2010-1633263.html

Chinese New Year 2010 is falling on 14th February

When the world is already done with its New Year celebration, China still awaits for its gala celebration. Chinese New Year or Spring festival is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. It is also called 'Lunar New Year' outside China. It begins on the first day of first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year is famously known as Chuxi by its native people. 'Chu' means ‘to remove’ or ‘to eradicate,’ while xi means ‘evening’ or ‘night,’ and therefore the term chuxi signifies a moment of the year when people hope to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year and welcome in new fortune.

Chinese New Year Day is the new moon day of the first lunar month. Chinese New Year approximately falls in the second half of January or the first half of February and contains winter solstice. Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration and its first day is the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth.On the second day, Chinese pray their ancestors and gods. On second and fourth day, sons-in-laws pay respect to their parents-in-laws. Fifth day is when people stay at home and welcome 'God of Wealth'. From sixth to tenth day is a time for festivity and merry-making. Chinese visit their families and friend, and visit temples for good fortune, health and prosperity. On 12th and 13th day lavish dinner preparations are made and served to the guests. Rice congee and mustard greens are the traditional dishes prepared at home to cleanse the system. And finally 14th and 15th days marks the preparation and celebration of Lantern Festival. Lantern festival is also known as 'Little New Year'. It marks the end of the series of celebrations that starts from the Chinese New Year. chinese new year calendar assigns a unique animal name every year. There are 12 different Chinese New Year animals, which are Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, Pig, in the counting system.

Chinese New Year 2010 is falling on 14th February and the special animal sign and number is assigned to it. Chinese New Year animal of the year is Tiger. The Chinese New Year 2010 will not just not merely be a fifteen days festivity, but it will be a time to strengthen the bond of love and respect. Its will mean reunion, feasting, revelry and parties for Chinese people. Dinners will be organized by Chinese families and will be a great get-together to come close with family, friends and dear ones. Delicious and delectable gastronomical delights will be cooked at home like chicken, fish, cakes, so that New Year will usher in happiness, wealth and good fortune.

Besides New Year, there are other festivals also to cheer the Chinese people. Chinese Valentines Day is also called the 'Daughter's festival'. Its similar to the popular Valentines Day which is celebrated round the world by love birds with much fanfare on 14th February. On Chinese Valentines Day, lovers pray for their everlasting love and union, which soon turn into marriage and marital bliss. Both, those who are in love or single, go to the temple of Matchmaker. This day girls wash their hairs, and dress to their finery. Couples woo their sweethearts by splurging them with thoughtful gifts and spend time with them.

Chinese New Year is not just any other day, its importance is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions. Its heralds the onset of good times, that will brighten their each day and open different avenues that will take them to the future of beautiful tomorrows.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_1292117_27.html

Bingo Card Game At The Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as "Spring Festival", is the most important of traditional Chinese holidays. The holiday is widely celebrated in China itself, and throughout East Asia. Additionally, increasingly Chinese New Year is increasingly marked in the West, both within the Chinese community, and by people interested in Chinese culture and traditions.

The traditional Chinese calendar is lunisolar (incorporating both elements of lunar and solar cycles to calculate dates), consequently the date of Chinese New Year varies from year to year when translated into the Western Gregorian calendar. Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the first lunar month of the Chinese calendar, and continues until the 15th of that month, which is known as the "Lantern festival". In the Gregorian calendar, that equates to a 15 day period beginning sometime between January 21st and February 20th.

There are a variety of traditions associated with Chinese New Year. These include the wearing of new clothes, displaying decorations (especially red decorations), the giving of red envelopes (containing money) by elders to children and juniors, and visits to relatives and friends ("new-year visits"). Additionally, many overseas Chinese travel home to have reunion dinners with their families on Chinese New Year's Eve.

With so many gatherings and families and friends, Chinese New Year is also an opportunity for performing group activities. Additionally, with the increasing prominence of Chinese New Year in the West, the occasion is also an excellent opportunity for teachers to introduce their students to Chinese culture through classroom activities. Whether with friends, family, or in the classroom, one such activity that is worth considering is Chinese New Year bingo.

Bingo is a fun game, that virtually everybody knows how to play. However, if somebody doesn't know how to play, there's no reason to worry - anybody can learn the game in just a few minutes. Of course, if you're playing bingo at Chinese New Year, it's more fun if you can get into the spirit of things by using bingo cards printed with items related to Chinese New Year, rather than using traditional numbered bingo cards. The easiest way to get such special bingo cards is to print them using your computer - you can download some bingo card maker software and print as many as you want. The coolest thing is that once you have the software, you can use it each year, or to print specially themed bingo cards for other events, occasions and holidays.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sunil_Tann

Tips to Celebrate Chinese New Year

Imlek starts on February 14, 2010 and lasts for 15 days. This is China's most colorful and important event of the year. This year it is named "The Year of the Golden Tiger." There are a total of 12 animals and they rotate throughout the years. There are many activities that happen during this time. On the first night of the celebration, there are fireworks to let go of the old and bring in the new, just like we do here in the USA. Also, on this night, they open all the windows and all of the doors in the house to allow the old year to go out! They have large parades and the lion dancing sways back and forth to the beat of the drummers. On the 5th day of the new year is the Chinese Lantern Festival and it is very colorful and beautiful. You will see paper lanterns made of the animal of the year and also huge large lanterns that are displayed in their parades.

1. Clean your house well in advance of the new year. Do not sweep or clean on new years day or it will represent you sending your wealth out the door. All brooms need to placed in closets.

2. Wear red since it is believed to be a happy color and symbolizes a bright future.

3. Give red envelopes filed with crisp dollar bills to children.

4. Decorate your home with nuts and sweets on a beautiful tray. You can also add chocolate gold coins to this mix as well.

5. Entertain your friends and laugh and enjoy the evening.

6. Open every door and every window on the stroke of midnight to let out the old year.

7. Clear your mind of "clutter" this day and keep your thoughts bright and optimistic for the coming new year.

8. Don't scold your children or cry on this day for if you do, it will symbolize what your coming year will play out for you.

9. Postpone washing your hair this day as you will be washing out your good luck.

10. Display large bowls of oranges on the tables to give to your friends and family as gifts.

Lillian Too has shared her traditions with students and followers of Feng Shui during her training sessions. She has told them that early in the morning of the new year, she brings in a truck full of oranges and she rolls them from the front door straight through her whole house. She is creating her own luck by following this ancient tradition.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yvonne_Phillips

Chinese New Year Fireworks

One of the highlights of Chinese New Year are firecrackers that beautifully light up the sky. Families also enjoy the deafening pop-pop-pops of the firecrackers. Firecrackers are called "pau jeun" in Chinese, meaning exploding bamboo. Pau jeun are burned at home, for work, or for public displays. Firecrackers are used for worship and for celebration. This is why the pau jeun brings a meaning of joy or upliftment for the Chinese. Chinese New Year is also about joy and upliftment, so the pau jeun is used to celebrate it.

Firecrackers are widely used during Chinese New Year because it is believed the bright lights and the noise can scare away evil spirits like Nian. It was believed that Nian is a monster that would awake only during the Lunar New Year and would devour men and animals in its path. People used to light a pile of bamboos on Chinese New Year to scare away Nian. When gun powder was invented, it was added to the bamboos, causing loud bangs. With Nian and the other evil spirits scared off, it is believed that prosperity, good health and happy relationships will fill the year.

The modern day firecrackers now are tubular, similar to the shape of the bamboo. Chinese firecrackers in the US come in assorted sizes and shapes. The most common firecrackers used during the Chinese New Year are the red tubes 1 ½ inches long and are braided together with string, wrapped in transparent paper. A bundle is usually tied with 16 or 50 tubes per pack.

Common brands of Chinese New Year Firecrackers are Black Cat, Red Devil, China Doll, Mighty Mite and Zebra. Stronger versions used for public display are several ropes of firecrackers, topped with a box that can equal 15,000 sticks of fire power. These are suspended on poles high up in the air so the crowd can better see the wonderful colors contrast against the night sky.

In the urban areas of China, it is prohibited to light up fire crackers privately for everybody's safety. One can usually see firecracker displays only during Chinese New Year and special days. However, in rural China where there is bigger space, children may buy and play with the different firecrackers available; thus one can hear the familiar pop-pop-pop all through out the Spring Festival.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RR_Ritchey

Chinese New Year in Calendar Masehi Falls on February 14 Months

Time passes day by day, minutes by minutes and seconds by seconds same as with the months and years and the last day of the year that is 31st December is the time to give farewell to the going year and welcoming the new year. 2010 arrived but in some places the celebration is still on. New Year comes with new plans and new beginning in every ones life. People celebrate New Year by leaving all the grudges and sadness behind with their family and friends. On this day the whole world join hands to welcome the fresh day with happiness and love. In this series of New Year Chinese New Year is the most special and memorable event to notice. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon; the beginning of spring is the logical time to start the New Year.

chinese new year 2010 is the year of the Tiger. On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on Sunday, February 14, 2010. It is said that the Chinese new year is also known as ji-chou year. On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on Sunday, February 14, 2010. It is said that as this year is known as tiger year and those who are born in this year have lively disposition and are forthright and uninhibited in nature and they are quick in action and they are also very open minded. In Chinese New Year there is a special thing which is made and that is the cake. This special cake is known as “"Nian Gao" and it is also said that the highest the “Naian Goa” is the better New Year.

The Chinese calendar is totally based on the lunar calendar and solar movements. According to solar calendar the chinese new year falls on different day every year because of the track of the moon which changes every year. People who have planned some important things to be done like engagements, marriage and other events they all plan to do on new year. It is said that the New Year is the best day to start up with nay new task or work there for people look up for the dates in the calendar to set them on process. As the solar calendars have different dates for New Year so as to catch up with that lunar calendar have one extra day for this purpose.
The Chinese new year is the most world famous new year. This fresh year starts with lots of celebration and joys all together. In Chinese region this day is celebration by lighting up candles and lots of drinks and parties all over. The Chinese have special events on this day like the famous one dragon dance. People call up friends and family gathering and celebrate this day. As the year passes every one is gathered to welcome the new one. The word celebration is incomplete without gifts so as to make this day more special people gift are more in demand. The perfect gifts for this perfect day are listed below:
1. Flowers
2. Show pieces
3. Crystal frames
4. Wall hangings.
Any many more and it hardly matters what is the gift what matters is it should be given from heart.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/chinese-new-yearpopular-celebration-in-the-chinese-new-calendar-1736505.html

Get Chinese New Year 2010 Eve Celebration around the World

The Chinese New Year is a fifteen day celebration that falls on a different date each year as it is a combination of lunar and solar movements. It usually falls in the month of January or February. This year marks the 'Year of the Horse'. The Chinese New Year's date varies every year and falls on second new moon after the winter solstice. The date for the occasion is decided according to the calendar which is a combination of the solar and the lunar calendar. Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, cat, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar are the animals that are considered to be auspicious. Each person as is believed in the Chinese calendar resembles an animal and this reflects their traits. The Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival as it is also known is the most revered holiday of the year. This is the time when family and friends gather and offer prayers to their ancestors and deities followed by a lavish dinner to usher in the New Year. During this time, families clean their homes while feng shui believers decorate their homes accordingly. On chinese new year 2010, members of a family stay up late as legend goes that long ago; the gods in heaven would give gold to each family so they would keep awake, active and ready to accept the gold gift. Families decorate their homes with pretty vases and colorful flowers symbolizing that nature has reawakened. Oranges and tangerines are placed in the house as a sign of happiness and prosperity. A tray of candies made of eight different types of candies are placed along with these. The candies are made of lotus seeds, longan, peanuts, coconut, cumquat, red melon seeds, candied melon, etc. The traditional food that is a significant part of the Chinese New Year party includes Jai, Fish and chicken, noodles and desserts. The dinner has a symbolic meaning in which the Chinese dumplings imply wealth as they are in the shape of ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots. Jiu is the traditional hard liquor in China symbolizes longevity as also Daikon, a white radish. Red chilies symbolize good luck while rice ensures harmony. Chinese people are usually out on the roads, especially kids who wear Chinese dragon masks and go for the chinese new year calendar 2010 Dragon parade. Dragon dances are a vital part of the Chinese New Year. One man who has a 'Pearl Of Wisdom' on a pole entices the dragon to follow him to the drum beats as though searching for wisdom and knowledge. The lion dance is an equally important ritual in the consecration of any auspicious time in China. The Lantern Festival is an amazing visual display of multicolored paper lanterns created by craftsmen in designs of butterflies, dragons, birds, dragonflies and other insects or animals. The Dragon Boat Festival marks the day of a certain Chinese scholar who threw himself into the river over a political protest. Chinese New Year is not just a festival of fun and part, but also a time to welcome the new season, pray for prosperity and well being and cleanse away the any thing evil

The Chinese New Year is a fifteen day celebration that falls on a different date each year as it is a combination of lunar and solar movements. It usually falls in the month of January or February. This year marks the 'Year of the Horse'.

The Chinese New Year's date varies every year and falls on second new moon after the winter solstice. The date for the occasion is decided according to the calendar which is a combination of the solar and the lunar calendar. Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, cat, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar are the animals that are considered to be auspicious. Each person as is believed in the Chinese calendar resembles an animal and this reflects their traits.

The chinese new year or the Spring Festival as it is also known is the most revered holiday of the year. This is the time when family and friends gather and offer prayers to their ancestors and deities followed by a lavish dinner to usher in the New Year. During this time, families clean their homes while feng shui believers decorate their homes accordingly. On chinese new year 2010, members of a family stay up late as legend goes that long ago; the gods in heaven would give gold to each family so they would keep awake, active and ready to accept the gold gift.

Families decorate their homes with pretty vases and colorful flowers symbolizing that nature has reawakened. Oranges and tangerines are placed in the house as a sign of happiness and prosperity. A tray of candies made of eight different types of candies are placed along with these. The candies are made of lotus seeds, longan, peanuts, coconut, cumquat, red melon seeds, candied melon, etc. The traditional food that is a significant part of the Chinese New Year party includes Jai, Fish and chicken, noodles and desserts. The dinner has a symbolic meaning in which the Chinese dumplings imply wealth as they are in the shape of ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots. Jiu is the traditional hard liquor in China symbolizes longevity as also Daikon, a white radish. Red chilies symbolize good luck while rice ensures harmony.

Chinese people are usually out on the roads, especially kids who wear Chinese dragon masks and go for the chinese new year calendar 2010 Dragon parade. Dragon dances are a vital part of the Chinese New Year. One man who has a 'Pearl Of Wisdom' on a pole entices the dragon to follow him to the drum beats as though searching for wisdom and knowledge. The lion dance is an equally important ritual in the consecration of any auspicious time in China. The Lantern Festival is an amazing visual display of multicolored paper lanterns created by craftsmen in designs of butterflies, dragons, birds, dragonflies and other insects or animals. The Dragon Boat Festival marks the day of a certain Chinese scholar who threw himself into the river over a political protest.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Chinese New Year is not just a festival of fun and part, but also a time to welcome the new season, pray for prosperity and well being and cleanse away the any thing evil.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/humor-articles/chinese-new-year-2010-get-chinese-new-year-eve-celebration-around-the-world-1668382.html

Celebration Chinese New Year 2010

Celebration means when everybody is in a mood how best he or she can celebrate a particular event with his or her parents, friends, spouses, relatives and lots more. The time when the whole world celebrates its New Year and busy in new parties and celebration functions on other hand Chinese community is in a plan how best they can arrange their New Year party. It is because the Imlek is on the 14th February. The main thing which cannot be ignored by one while considering Imlek is animal. Means every coming year is denoted by animal. Therefore, as per the Chinese traditional calendar, Imlek 2010 is denoted by tiger. While Imlek 2010 celebrations define how best they can arrange their parties, events and functions. As red is the favorite color for people in china that depicts their belief in good or evil, animal spirits, on gods and legendary beings. As per the upcoming Imlek calendar 2010, the coming year is the ji-chou year that reflects the combination between jji and yin. Means “Jji” is among the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and yin is among the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches. So, the coming year is denoted by Tiger. Besides Imlek, there is also one more term name Lunar New Year which is only observed by Vietnamese, Chinese and Koreans. As Lunar New Year Calendar is base on the cycle system of the moon and sun. This further deflects Imlek that can be starts from anywhere between the last week of the January and the middle of the February. So, Imlek calendar plays a vital role in fixing Imlek date which is also known as lunar new year. As per the calendar lunar new year 2010 festival is start from the 14th of February. In the moment the entire nation comes together that make them feel of each other's pleasure. It is only time when Chinese people takes weeks of holidays to celebrate this big even with their near and dear. During this event you will find people with red clothes giving gifts to each other and making lot of fire works. Here 365celebration defines complete information about the importance of Imlek celebration, Imlek greeting cards, chinese valentines day cards and lots more related to event and new year celebrations.

Celebration means when everybody is in a mood how best he or she can celebrate a particular event with his or her parents, friends, spouses, relatives and lots more. The time when the whole world celebrates its New Year and busy in new parties and celebration functions on other hand Chinese community is in a plan how best they can arrange their New Year party. It is because the Imlek is on the 14th February. The main thing which cannot be ignored by one while considering Imlek is animal. Means every coming year is denoted by animal. Therefore, as per the Chinese traditional calendar, Imlek 2010 is denoted by tiger.

While Imlek 2010 celebrations define how best they can arrange their parties, events and functions. As red is the favorite color for people in china that depicts their belief in good or evil, animal spirits, on gods and legendary beings. As per the upcoming Imlek calendar 2010, the coming year is the ji-chou year that reflects the combination between jji and yin. Means “Jji” is among the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and yin is among the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches. So, the coming year is denoted by Tiger.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/humor-articles/celebration-is-on-the-way-chinese-new-year-2010-1699142.html

Chinese New Year - Get Chinese New Year Eve Celebration Around the World

The Chinese New Year is a fifteen day celebration that falls on a different date each year as it is a combination of lunar and solar movements. It usually falls in the month of January or February. This year marks the 'Year of the Horse'.

The Chinese New Year's date varies every year and falls on second new moon after the winter solstice. The date for the occasion is decided according to the calendar which is a combination of the solar and the lunar calendar. Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, cat, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar are the animals that are considered to be auspicious. Each person as is believed in the Chinese calendar resembles an animal and this reflects their traits.

The Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival as it is also known is the most revered holiday of the year. This is the time when family and friends gather and offer prayers to their ancestors and deities followed by a lavish dinner to usher in the New Year. During this time, families clean their homes while feng shui believers decorate their homes accordingly. On Chinese New Year Eve, members of a family stay up late as legend goes that long ago; the gods in heaven would give gold to each family so they would keep awake, active and ready to accept the gold gift.

Families decorate their homes with pretty vases and colorful flowers symbolizing that nature has reawakened. Oranges and tangerines are placed in the house as a sign of happiness and prosperity. A tray of candies made of eight different types of candies are placed along with these. The candies are made of lotus seeds, longan, peanuts, coconut, cumquat, red melon seeds, candied melon, etc.

The traditional food that is a significant part of the Chinese New Year party includes Jai, Fish and chicken, noodles and desserts. The dinner has a symbolic meaning in which the Chinese dumplings imply wealth as they are in the shape of ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots. Jiu is the traditional hard liquor in China symbolizes longevity as also Daikon, a white radish. Red chilies symbolize good luck while rice ensures harmony.

Chinese people are usually out on the roads, especially kids who wear Chinese dragon masks and go for the Chinese New Year Dragon parade. Dragon dances are a vital part of the Chinese New Year. One man who has a 'Pearl Of Wisdom' on a pole entices the dragon to follow him to the drum beats as though searching for wisdom and knowledge. The lion dance is an equally important ritual in the consecration of any auspicious time in China. The Lantern Festival is an amazing visual display of multicolored paper lanterns created by craftsmen in designs of butterflies, dragons, birds, dragonflies and other insects or animals. The Dragon Boat Festival marks the day of a certain Chinese scholar who threw himself into the river over a political protest.

Chinese New Year is not just a festival of fun and part, but also a time to welcome the new season, pray for prosperity and well being and cleanse away the any thing evil.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kundansingh_Khati

Imlek And Its Tradition

Imlek starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.

The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese 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, according to the solar calendar, the Imlek falls on a different date each year.

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.

The sacrifice to the ancestors, the most vital of all the rituals, united the living members with those who had passed away. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family.

The presence of the ancestors is acknowledged on New Year's Eve with a dinner arranged for them at the family banquet table. The spirits of the ancestors, together with the living, celebrate the onset of the New Year as one great community. The communal feast called "surrounding the stove" or weilu. It symbolizes family unity and honors the past and present generations.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/chinese_new_year.html

Celebrating Imlek Of The Tiger

If you want to be celebrating the Chinese New Year (which in 2010 is the year of the tiger) in a traditional manner there are a few things you should consider. Hold on to your hats because this one might be a bumpy ride.

First and foremost...firecrackers and loud noises! I know, many states have outlawed fireworks so you might just have to go to your closest Chinatown, but you need all that racket to scare away the angry ghosts left over from last years.

On the night before the New Year begins sweep away all the dirt and dust. That also is the crap and badness that accumulated the previous year. If you can, decorate your house with fresh flowers, particularly the luck and fortunate colors of red and gold. These bring good luck and fortune to the house.

Many people go out to eat at a Chinese restaurant but if you can't do that just cook up your own meal with symbolic ingredients. For instance oysters represent good fortune and success. As well fresh fish represents a huge surplus and lettuce means money and prosperity. You can also make pot stickers or steamed dumplings called jiaozi which look a little like a tael of gold. The recipe is simple and easy to make.

Adults often give unmarried children the little hongbao, which are small red envelopes stuffed with money. Children will also play Rock, Paper, and Scissors while celebrating Chinese New Year As well.

So you see celebrating Chinese New Year in the year of the tiger can be fun for the whole family.

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Garcia

Tradition Of The Chinese New Year

The Chinese culture has a lot to do with the phenomenon of symbolism. The occasion of Chinese New Year is one of the numerous aspects of the Chinese culture that is involved in the process of symbolism. The Chinese New Year is not accounted from the 1st of January as the rest of the world follows, in relation to the solar calender. The various symbols and customs that are associated with the Chinese New Year have a cultural and historical significance prevalent amongst the Japanese people.

The Chinese New Year symbols have an interesting and inspirational visual beauty of presenting profound meanings in the most splendid way possible. Their collection is considered to be a balanced art between form and utility. The undeniable physical beauty of the Chinese New Year symbols is a testament to the region's artistic talents. The meaning behind the symbols gives us the mystical insight into the beliefs and traditions of the people of China. At this point in our discussion it would be appropriate for us to identify when exactly the Chinese New Year in comparison to the western New Year is. First of all we must note that where as the western world follows a solar calendar China has traditionally been following the lunar calendar.

The lunar calendar as the name refers is based upon the cycles of the moon. This is one of the reasons why you will find most of the calendars printed in China to display both the Gregorian as well as the Chinese lunar calendar dates. Such calendars make it simple for others to compare the dates and keep up to date with current trends. The spirit is happy and hope is for prosperity when the Chinese New Year arrives. This is why you will find the collection of Chinese New Year symbols to be very positive with regards to their meanings.

Flowers play a vital part in the symbols designed for the Chinese New Year. Traditionally the Chinese had an affinity to utilize natural god-gifted products and so flowers were a perfect choice. The plum blossom and water narcissus are two of the most popular Chinese new year flower symbols. Another important traditional New Year symbol is the hong-bao which is actually a lai-see envelope. This is an envelope consisting of money which is handed over to the kids by the elders of the family on the eve of the New Year. It is regarded to be one of the Chinese New Year symbols.

until now the tradition is still popular gift Angpau and in the office on environmental usually indicated by giving red packets as a bonus at the end of the year by the employer to be popular and chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of china giving to business associates or relatives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Hung

Imlek Parcel

A Red Packet (Red Envelope) is simply a red envelope with money in it, often decorated with lucky symbols, which symbolizes luck and wealth. It is called Hong Bao in Chinese.

Occasions for Red Packets
Traditionally red packets are handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. They are also popular gifts for weddings and birthdays. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek Parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

How Much to Give
It depends on the situation. If you give red packets to kids for the New Year, age will be an important factor. Usually the older the kids are, the more money they will get. For a kid of five years old, one or two dollars will be fine. It will be better to have enough money in the red packet for a 15-years old to buy something himself.

If you go to a wedding, the money in the red packet should be about right for a nice gift. Naturally you will be glad to put a little more money in it if you have a very close relation with the couple. But it should be based on your financial situation and don't overdo it. It is similar for birthdays. The red packets usually contain less money since birthdays are not as important as weddings. People often just bring gifts for birthdays. You can also bring gifts for weddings.

Giving Imlek Parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa_03red_packet_a.htm

Tradition in chinese New year

A Red Packet (Red Envelope) is simply a red envelope with money in it, often decorated with lucky symbols, which symbolizes luck and wealth. It is called Hong Bao in Chinese.

Occasions for Red Packets
Traditionally red packets are handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. They are also popular gifts for weddings and birthdays. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

How Much to Give
It depends on the situation. If you give red packets to kids for the New Year, age will be an important factor. Usually the older the kids are, the more money they will get. For a kid of five years old, one or two dollars will be fine. It will be better to have enough money in the red packet for a 15-years old to buy something himself.

If you go to a wedding, the money in the red packet should be about right for a nice gift. Naturally you will be glad to put a little more money in it if you have a very close relation with the couple. But it should be based on your financial situation and don't overdo it. It is similar for birthdays. The red packets usually contain less money since birthdays are not as important as weddings. People often just bring gifts for birthdays. You can also bring gifts for weddings.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa_03red_packet_a.htm