Things have just got started for Chinese New Year what do we know about the lunar festival?
The celebration iin China is known as "Chun Jie" Or ‘The Spring Festival’ in English and is marked by the lunisolar Chinese calendar, so the exact date changes every year. The Chinese new year begins on Saturday January 28 and it will last until February 15th, 2018.
Every Chinese New Year is represented by one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. The Chinese zodiac is divided into 12 blocks just like the western zodiac, but with the major difference being that each sign has a time-length of one year instead of one month.
This year is the ‘Year of the Rooster’, People born in the ‘Year of the Rooster’ are said to be honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse and confident.
Lucky signs of the rooster are it’s lucky numbers (5, 7 and 8), lucky colours (brown, gold, and yellow) and lucky directions (south and southeast).
The years below are a rough guide to all of the zodiac signs, years and characteristics, but if you were born in January or February it may be slightly different as the new year moves between 21 January and February 20.
Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960 – Intelligent, adaptable, quick-witted, charming, artistic, sociable.
Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961 – Loyal, reliable, thorough, strong, reasonable, steady, determined.
Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962 – Enthusiastic, courageous, ambitious, leadership, confidence, charismatic.
Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963 – Trustworthy, empathic, modest, diplomatic, sincere, sociable, caretakers.
Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964 – Lucky, flexible, eccentric, imaginative, artistic, spiritual, charismatic.
Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965 – Philosophical, organized, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, decisive.
Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966 – Adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent, adventurous, strong.
Sheep: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967 – Tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm.
Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968 – Quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart.
Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969 – Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident.
Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970 – Loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, smart.
Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971 – Honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable.
The new year celebration comes to an end on the 15th day of the first Chinese lunar month, which is marked in mainland China by "The Lantern Festival" Lanterns are always red in colour to signify good fortune.
Xin Nian Kuai Le - Happy new yearÂ