CHINA

Fast Facts Official Name: People´s Republic of China Capital: Beijing Biggest City: Shanghai First Made in China: Paper, fireworks, kites, yo-yos, the abacus, playing cards.

Money The official currency of China is the yuan. 1 yuan is worth about 15 cents in U.S. dollars. Or $1.00 is about 7 yuan.

Chinese Calligraphy (written Chinese) Fu - the Chinese word for 'luck‘ Spring Fortune, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness fu lu shou xi

Chinese New Year The Lunar New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday for the Chinese. New Year's Day usually falls on the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice (first day of winter). The New Year is celebrated with firecrackers, dragon dances and visits to friends and family. It lasts for 15 days and ends with the Lantern Festival.

Year of the Tiger The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle with each year represented by an animal. February 14th, 2010 marks the start of the Year of the Tiger.

History of Chinese New Year

Chinese Zodiac

If you are a DRAGON: You are full of life and enthusiasm and a very popular individual with a reputation for being "fun-loving." You will make a good artist, priest or politician. The year of the DRAGON: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

If you are a RAT: You are imaginative, charming and very generous to those you love, though you do have the tendency to be quick-tempered and overly critical. You will be happy as a writer, critic or publicist. The year of the RAT: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996

If you are a SNAKE: You are wise and charming. You are also romantic and a deep thinker, but you tend to procrastinate and be a bit stingy about money. You will make a good teacher, writer or psychiatrist. The year of the SNAKE: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

If you are an OX: You are a born leader, and you inspire confidence in those around you. Be careful about being too demanding. You are also methodical and good with your hands. You will make a good surgeon, general or hairdresser. The year of the OX: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973,

If you are a PIG: You are a good friend because you are sincere, tolerant and honest, but by expecting the same from others, you may be terribly disappointed. You will thrive in the arts as an entertainer, or you may make a great lawyer. The year of the PIG: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

If you are a HORSE: You are an amazingly hard working and very independent. Although you are intelligent and friendly, you can sometimes be a bit selfish. You will find success as an adventurer, scientist or poet. The year of the HORSE: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

If you are a TIGER: You are sensitive, emotional and capable of great love, but you tend to be stubborn about what you think is right. You will make an excellent boss, explorer or race care driver. The year of the TIGER: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

If you are a DOG: You are honest and faithful to those you love, but you tend to worry too much and find fault with others. You will make an excellent business person, teacher or secret agent. The year of the DOG: 1922, 1934, 1958, 1970, 1982 and 1994

If you are a ROOSTER: You are a hard-worker and definite in your decisions. You are not afraid to speak your mind and are, therefore, sometimes boastful. You will make a good restaurant owner, publicist or world traveler. The year of the ROOSTER: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

If you are a MONKEY: You are very intelligent, clever and well-liked by everyone. You will have success in any field you try. The year of the MONKEY: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

If you are a SHEEP: You are charming, elegant and artistic, and you like material comforts, but you also have a tendency to complain about things and worry a bit too much. You will make a good actor, gardener or beachcomber. The year of the SHEEP: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

If you are a RABBIT: You are affectionate, cooperative and always pleasant, and people like to be around you. You can, however, get too sentimental and seem superficial. You will make a successful business person, lawyer, diplomat or actor. The year of the RABBIT: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

Superstitions

Customs The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year. On the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, every door in the house, and even windows, have to be open to allow the old year to go out. Red clothing is preferred on New Year’s Day. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future.

Ancient China Today, we know that magical dragons exist only in imagination and myth. They are mythical creatures. But in ancient China, the people firmly believed that dragons were real and powerful. The dragon was the sign of the emperors. Over time, “The Dragon” became a nickname for China.

Ancient China In ancient China, dragons were thought to be wise, caring, and a bit mischievous. They did not breathe fire. They had personalities. They had magical powers. They could appear and disappear whenever they wanted. They could turn into beasts if they were angry.

Ancient China In ancient China, dragons were thought to be wise, caring, and a bit mischievous. They did not breathe fire. They had personalities. They had magical powers. They could appear and disappear whenever they wanted. They could turn into beasts if they were angry.

Ancient China Dragons in ancient China were a composite (a mix) of parts from different animals.

Ancient China These mythical creatures had and whiskers. a camel head, a snake neck, fish scales, eagle claws, tiger paws, ox ears, deer horns,

Ancient China Their job in ancient China was to act as guardians.