It coincides with spring in China which is a time of renewal and fresh starts.
Originally celebrated for 15 days, it is the major festival in China.
Each year is based on an animal in the Chinese Zodiac with twelve animals in total in the cycle. People born in a particular year is believed to assume the characteristics and fortunes of their animal signs.
We Chinese have great belief in auspicious actions and follow certain rites stringently in order to ensure good luck in the year ahead.
See opposite for some tips:
* Clear all your debts before the new year
* Wear new clothes on the day to signify new beginnings
* Give 'lucky money' to children
* Say good things to bless each other
* Exchange oranges to signify luck
* Have a family meal together on new year's eve.
Year of the monkey
* Sweep the floor on new year's day as you will sweep away good luck
* Fight with your siblings or friends or you will be at loggerheads for the rest of the year.
* Visit your friends or relatives on the third day of Chinese New Year as that will lead to bad relations.