Chinese New Year

Its getting time for Spring Festival again!  This is the time when Americans make their way to a Chinese Restaurant, stumble out some Chinese phrases, and find out what year of the Chinese Zodiac they were born in!

So, in honor of this excellent, long, and old cultural tradition, I will now share some facts with you.

First, Chinese New Year falls inside a Chinese State holiday called Spring Festival. This holiday usually lasts 2-4 weeks, but most people only get a week off.  During this time travel in China is very popular, and very expensive.  Most people go home to their families during this time.

Chinese New Year is February 10th this year.  It begins on the first day of the 13th lunar month, but their are many more complicated rules associated with it, and all you need to know is that it moves a bit every year.  Starting on this day is when most people get at least a few days off, and almost every is closed!  Last year, we weren't quite prepared, and we almost ran out of food.

The Chinese give money gifts to their families in Red Envelopes, and that money must be new.  In addition, it must be an even number, and that number cannot add up to 4, 40, 400, or any other amount beginning with 4, as that number is unlucky.  Households here in China hang red paper banners over their outside door frames, as these also bring luck.

However, the most iconic thing about this Festival is the fireworks!  Fireworks were invented in China in the 7th century.  Since loud noises ward off evil spirits, its important to make AS MUCH NOISE AS POSSIBLE!  Mikaela and I live in a relatively small town (6.5 million), spread out as much as Los Angeles, but we still got INUNDATED with fireworks all around us!  So, in honor of this upcoming Festival, here is last year's fireworks video we made.  Enjoy!