The Lunar New Year dates from 2600 BC, when the Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the zodiac.

Because of cyclical lunar dating, the first day of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February.

On the Chinese calendar, 2009 is Lunar Year 4706. On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on January 26th, with the 15-day festivities lasting until February 9th.

The Chinese represent each new year with one of twelve symbolic animals, each signifying one year in the 12-year cycle. 2009 is the Year of the Ox. Other Ox years have included 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, and will include 2009 and 2021. Those born in the Year of the Ox are said to be good leaders, hard workers, and loyal, trustworthy friends. Ox people are believed to value stability and a solid home life, but are also known to be stubborn and eccentric at times.

Those born in the Year of the Ox are said to be most compatible with those born in the Year of the Rooster, Snake and Rat.

Chinese months are reckoned by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. In China, people may take weeks of holiday from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year.

The 15-Day Celebration of Chinese New Year

The first day of the Lunar New Year is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth."Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the new year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.

On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs. 

The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law.

The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck.

On the sixth to the 10th day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health.

The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.

On the eighth day the Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.

The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor.

The 10th through the 12th are days that friends and relatives should be invited for dinner. After so much rich food, on the 13th day you should have simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse the system.

The 14th day should be for preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival which is to be held on the 15th night.