Chinese New Year

Most famous and most important of the Chinese festivals, Chinese New Year falls on February 7th this year (2008), and is the year of the Rat. Decorations go up everywhere in China and Hong Kong, and there will be a huge flower market where local people buy lucky flowers, peach and plum blossom, fruit, lanterns and sweets. Other interesting sights will be Lion Dances, red and gold scrolls and posters showing Chinese characters that wish long life, prosperity and happiness. This is traditionally a family festival, when people will settle debts, visit friends and relations, buy new clothes and generally ensure a fresh start to the year. Married couples hand out lucky money in red envelopes to their families, and this is known as "Lai See" money. Lots of shops and services charge double price and the festival can last for three to fifteen days. It is not a good time to travel into China, as everybody is visiting their relatives, particularly across the border between Hong Kong and China. To wish someone a "Happy New Year", you can say "Kung Hay Fat Choi"