Chinese New Year Facts

• The Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar.

• The Chinese year 4709 begins today, Feb. 3, 2011.

• New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest.

• Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality.

• 2011 is the Year of the Metal Rabbit.

• In China, the New Year is a time of family reunion. Family members gather at each other's homes for visits and shared meals, most significantly a feast on New Year's Eve.

• During the Chinese New Year celebrations, people wear red clothes, and give children "lucky money" in red envelope which are also called Ang Pao.

• Red symbolizes fire, which according to legend can drive away bad luck.

• The fireworks that shower the festivities are rooted in a similar ancient custom. Long ago, people in China lit bamboo stalks, believing that the crackling flames would frighten evil spirits.