2. Chinese New Year

3. The history of Chinese New Year.  Chinese New year is an important Chinese festival that is also known as the Spring Festival. Chinese New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years.  The festival marks the end of the long winter season and the beginning of spring.  It celebrates the earth coming back to life and the beginning of the growing cycle.

4. Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the first month on the Lunar calendar. IN CHINESE CUSTOM EACH YEAR REPRESENTS A DIFFERENT ANIMAL. WHAT ANIMAL WILL IT BE THIS YEAR ?

5. Celebrations last for 15 days. At home families and friends gather together and have a big feast. Outside businesses and streets are often decorated with red and gold lanterns and garlands. There may also be lots of colourful costumes and dancing in the street.

6. It is Chinese custom to send each other red envelopes during Chinese New Year. The envelopes are red which is a symbol of energy, happiness and good luck. These may contain money but importantly it is believed these red packets bring happiness and blessing to the person that receives them. These special envelopes are called Hongbao.

7. For more information click here HTTP://WWW.BBC.CO.UK/EDUCATION/CLIPS/ZC4S34J