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JANUARY 25, 2001
 
YEAR OF
THE GOLDEN SNAKE
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Good Luck Happiness
Longevity
Prosperity
GONG XI FA CAI
Happy and Prosperous New Year
Chinese New Year is the Spring Festival.  It is the oldest and most important of all of the festivals in China. It celebrates the renewal of life, the earth's cycle moving out of a winters sleep. The date of the Spring Festival is based on the lunar or solar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar used in the West.  Because of this, the date will not be the same every year.

Publically, the Spring Festival is celebrated for 3 days; however, the traditional festival lasts until the 15th day of the lunar month and ends with the Lantern Festival.

Traditions are followed in the preparations for the festival.  Debts are paid, houses are cleaned, new clothes are purchased and hair is cut. 
GUNG HEY FAT CHOY
Wishing you Prosperity and Wealth
2001 is the Year of the Snake Sleeping in Winter.  On the Chinese Lunar calendar it is year 4699.  This a a year of preparation, just as a snake builds up his resources to survive through the winter, this is a year to prepare for upcoming events.  This is a time to keep your eyes fixed on your future goals and not just short-term events.  This is the year to be prepared to help your family and friends.  It is the year for you to be prepared to provide support for those that need assistance.
Much of the tradition associated with the Chinese New Year is based on legend.  Thousands of years ago, a village in China was destroyed by an evil monster.  Year after year the monster returned and destroyed the rebuilt village.  Before this could happen again, the villagers planned to frighten the monster.  They hung red banner with protective sayings on them on their homes.  Red was thought to protect against evil.  They used loud noises, firecrackers, drums, gongs, and bells to scare the monster away.  Their plan worked so well, the villaagers celebrated for many days, rejoicing with each other and exhanging gifts and treats.
Gifts are given in Red Packets decorated with lucky symbols.  Gifts are usually money.  The money represents a wish for good fortune and wealth in the new year.
Today the Red Banners with the lucky sayings are called Red Couplets.  These good luck sayings are written on red paper or cloth, often decoreated with gold trimmings and usually contain the four Chinese characters for luck, happiness, longevity and prosperity. 
Lions are good omens and are believed to repel demons.  The Lion Dance holds a special place in the celebration festivities.  This dance is peformed by two dancers inside the lion costume. One dancer maneuvers the head, the other maneuvers the other end!  Lion dancers have  a special place in Chinese Culture and Society.