The Lunar New Year is a celebration of the new year in Asian communities around the world. It is observed by the Chinese, Koreans, and Vietnamese. The event takes place during the first three days of the first lunar month (late January or early February). The date of the new year is determined by the lunar calendar, so festivities begin with the new cycle of the moon that falls between January 21 and February 19. Each year is symbolized by a different animal: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Calendar year 2007 marks the "Year of the Pig".
The new year celebration known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam, and Sol in Korea, is the most important and the longest of all festivals in these communities, traditionally lasting for two weeks. During this period, towns and villages are decorated with colored lanterns, floral displays, and brightly colored banners emblazoned with new year greetings.
The New Year is a special occasion full of warmth, cheerfulness, and reflection. Most importantly, families and friends of all cultures can keep alive the traditions of coming together to share in the hopes for a new beginning.
For more information on the Lunar New Year:
http://www.thetasteofasia.com/celebrations.asp
http://www.adoptvietnam.org/vietnamese/tet-links.html
http://www.fathertimes.net/traditions.htm
http://www.topics-mag.com/internatl/holidays/newyear-korea.htm
http://www.afk.com
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