New year in China, unlike our New year, is celebrated in spring at the first new moon.

Last year it was on January 18, this year the holiday will be celebrated on February 7. As well as all the people of the world, Chinese have a set of traditions and superstitions connected with this holiday.

In ancient times before Chun Tsza Chinese were locked in the houses, hiding from Nians, a huge monster.

As the legend says, every year the monster got out of the sea and devoured all live. It had lasted until Chinese found out that Nian was frightened of red color and strong noise.

New year in China is a family holiday. The New Year dinner doesn’t begin until all family members gather.

As soon as the dinner comes to the end, adults give money in red envelopes to children. This money has to bring them happiness in a new year. Earlier money was given in the form of necklaces made of 100 coins.

There is an amazing tradition – receiving two tangerines in gift. But if you get two tangerines you need to give guests two tangerines too to wish them wealth as well.

During the New year celebration Chinese spend a lot of time in prayers and give gifts to Gods. Chinese believe that at New Year Eve Gods go down on the Earth.

There is one more very interesting tradition – fisticuffs. In the past a lot of people gathered on such duels. The man who won provided himself with good luck for all year.

The Chinese people as Ukrainian and Russian ones clean thoroughly their houses and flats to meet New Year in clean flats with fair thoughts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Prepared by 1st year students of the Psychology Department I. Marchenko O. Kostyuchenko