Kung Hei Fat Choy from Amoy

What is Chinese New Year?

Also known as 'Spring Festival', it celebrates the end of the Winter Season and marks the first day of the Chinese New Year. Celebrations last for 15 days, from Chinese New Year to Lantern Festival on the 15th day.

It's the Year of the Horse!

In 2014, it’s the year of the Horse. People born in the year of the Horse are clever, kind to others, and enjoy being in the limelight. Although they sometimes talk too much, they are cheerful, perceptive and talented, but can be stubborn. They like entertainment and large crowds and they are popular among friends.

How do people celebrate?

Ahead of the celebrations, people thoroughly clean their house to sweep away any ill-fortune and make way for good luck to come in. They will also decorate their windows and doors in red and gold with messages of good fortune, happiness and prosperity. The Eve of Chinese New Year is celebrated with a feast, known as the reunion dinner, of meat such as pork, duck and chicken followed by firecrackers to end the night. On the first day of the New Year itself, the emphasis is around family. People will go to visit their relatives and children are given red packets which contain money. The colour red is very important as this symbolises luck and wealth.