Celebrating the Year of the Rat

The Chinese New Year begins on Saturday, January 25, 2020. This is the Year of the Rat.

The Rat is the first sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Every year features a different animal. In another 12 years, it will be the year of the Rat again.

The date of the Chinese New Year is different every year because the date depends on the lunar calendar. A lunar calendar uses on cycle of the moon for every month.

The Chinese New Year will always start on a new moon. The festivities will continue until the full moon appears. This is usually 15 days later.

Chinese New Year is also called the Spring festival. It’s a time to clean your house to remove all traces of the old year.

It’s also a good time to wear new clothes. And if you hear and see firecrackers, it’s to scare off evils spirits or maybe even a fierce dragon. 

Red is a popular color for the Chinese New Year. Red is for good luck. You might see homes and businesses decorated with red. Adults give children money in red envelopes. It's also a good time to give children new clothes, gifts, and toys. 

The Lantern Festival, or feast of the Full Moon is the last celebration of Chinese New Year. People light lanterns to be reminded of the light of a beautiful full moon.

Chinese New Year is a joyful celebration. It marks the coming of Spring and the reunion of the family.

How will you celebrate Chinese New Year this year?