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exact date changes from year to year. Its date depends on the Chinese
lunar calendar - when each month begins with the new moon.
The
New Year is seen as a time of new beginnings - houses are cleaned
and new clothes are bought.
One
of the most important tasks is ensuring that the kitchen is extra
clean, as the Chinese believe that just before the New Year the
kitchen god reports back to the higher gods on the family's behaviour
during the year. The Chinese say that his lips are rubbed with honey
to make sure he says sweet things.
Large
pictures of fierce gods are pasted onto doors or gates to frighten
off the evil spirits that are thought to be around.
Firecrackers are set off for the same reason,
because the loud noise they make frightens away the spirits.
Bright
decorations are put up, flowers and plants are bought, and candied
fruits are eaten.
On
New Year's Eve all of the family gathers together and have a special
dinner. Children stay up after midnight, as it is believed that
if they go to sleep early they will have a short life.
On
New Year's Day, everyone has a bath and wears new clothes. They
greet each other with 'Kung Hei Fat Choi' (May prosperity be with
you).
Children
are given red and gold envelopes, with money inside - it is called
'Laisee' (lucky money).
Dragon
dances are held during the celebrations - with whole lines of people
forming the dragon's body! It is believed that a visit from the
dragon always brings good luck.
The
Lantern Festival (Teng Chieh) takes place on the last day of the
celebrations, and homes and buildings are decorated with lanterns
to mark the first full moon.
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