Asian New Year - Chinese New Year

**Lantern image from Flicker by Nicholas Chan/NCDN

2013 is the year of the snake which is said to bring grace, energy, and wisdom. The Chinese tradition of representing the years with animals dates back to the Han dynasty (approx. 220 BCE). The 12 year cycle of the animals in the Chinese Zodiac is similar to astrological signs.  Each year is represented by an animal and people who are born in that year are said to have the particular characteristics or mannerisms of the animal, both positive and negative. The 12 animals include: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, and Pig.  

The Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is an important traditional holiday to the Chinese and other Asian communities including Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan, and other Southeast Asian countries with large Chinese populations. It occurs on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar. This year, New Year's day is February 10th, 2013. The exact date of the Lunar New Year can vary from year to year on the Gregorian (U.S.) calendar, which is based on the cycles of the sun, since the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon. The Lunar New Year is celebrated over a number of days and is a time for merriment and remembrance with families and friends.