Happy New Year!

Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, as it’s known in China, is the most important holiday for the Chinese.

It marks the beginning of a New Year and falls on a different day every year based on the lunar and solar calendar. Each year has a corresponding animal based on a 12-year cycle known as the Chinese Zodiac. 2011 is the year of the rabbit. Those born during this year are believed to have good luck and abundant ambition.

Chinese New Year is a time for visiting family and ushering in wealth, happiness and prosperity for the New Year.

The New Year holiday, which covers 15 days, is a time to put away and sweep out the old, and bring in the new. Homes are cleaned, new clothes are bought and grievances among friends and relatives are put to rest. Farmers begin planting their fields.

Most Chinese give “hong bao,” or red envelopes with money inside, during the New Year. The color red in Chinese culture symbolizes happiness and good luck and wards off evil spirits. The Chinese character for blessing is usually printed on these envelopes and on door fronts.

On the days leading into Chinese New Year day, Chinese will visit relatives, pay a visit to the temple and clean their homes. On New Year’s Eve, Chinese will pay respect to their ancestors and share a large meal together.

Fireworks usher in the New Year and carry through the day. Oranges and tangerines, symbolizing longevity and health, are staples of New Year’s Day.

The finale to the New Year celebrations is a full moon and the Lantern Festival. Red lanterns decorate the streets, heralding in a new year, on Chinese New Year day.

Southern Cross volunteers pray that 2011 will be a year when hundred and thousands of Chinese will put away the old and accept a new life.

For more information, prayer requests and photos about Chinese New Year, visit the East Asian Peoples website.