Gung Hay Fat Choy!!  Happy New Year!!

Today, in China, was the beginning of the countries biggest holiday. It will last nearly 2 weeks. It is compaired to our celebration of Christmas with everyone being on holiday and off work. Governmaent offices and businesses are closed for the holiday.

Most people travel home for the holiday. Traditionally each home will decorate the walls with bright red cut paper decorations. Red means good luck and happiness in China. Bowls filled with  oranges and tangerines stand for money and more good luck. Homes are cleaned by "sweeping away" the bad luck from last year. Children get hair cuts and new clothes for the celebrations.

Celebrating starts on New Year's Eve with a huge meal with their whole family. On New Year's Day the children recieve red envelopes with money inside. This will bring good luck.

The chinese use fire crackers to celebrate each day of the celebrations. And finially they end with a Parade. There are Lion Dancers! The lion's mouth is open and the ears wiggle as he gobbles up green lettuce and red envelopes. Last of all is the Dragon! It is a sign of good luck and the beginning of spring.

Our girls love reading their stories about this holiday. They really liked making their dragons today. In a few days we will gather with other families and celebrate the festival more Chinese style. We hope to attend a real version of a New Year parade later this month. We got to see the real thing when we were in China 2 years ago. We truly enjoyed it.