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Chinese New Year Guide: Prepare and Celebrate Chinese New Year

Learn the Customs and Traditions to Celebrate Chinese New Year

From Lauren Mack, former About.com Guide

Chinese New Year is the most important and, at 15 days, the longest holiday in China. Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, so it is also called Lunar New Year, and it is considered the beginning of spring, so it is also called Spring Festival. Learn the traditions and customs of Chinese New Year and how to prepare for and celebate Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year: The Basics

Lauren Mack / About.com

Learn how Chinese New Year celebrations came about and how they have evolved over time.

There's a famous story about a people-eating monster called 'Nian.' The Chinese for New Year, 過年 (guònián) comes from this story. Read the story here.

Chinese New Year: Dates

Lauren Mack / About.com

Chinese New Year is held on different dates each year. See the dates for Chinese New Year 2013. The dates are based on the lunar calendar. Each year has its own corresponding animal from the Chinese Zodiac, a cycle of 12 animals. Learn how the Chinese zodiac works. Chinese New Year 2013 is the Year of the Snake. Learn your zodiac sign to see if you are a snake.

Chinese New Year: How to Prepare for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year: Prepare for Chinese New Year

Lauren Mack / About.com

Most families begin preparing a month or more in advance for Chinese New Year. Here's a guide to what needs to get done before Chinese New Year:

How to Prepare for Chinese New Year
Activities to Do Before Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year Food: Discover Why Dumplings Are Eaten on Chinese New Year. Recipes to Make Chinese Dumplings at Home.
Chinese New Year Decorations: Chunlian
Chinese New Year Clothing: Chinese Dresses Qipao and Red Underwear
Chinese New Year Gifts: Gift-Giving Guide

Chinese New Year: How to Celebrate Chinese New Year

Lauren Mack / About.com

Chinese New Year includes two weeks of celebration with most activities taking place the day before (New Year's Eve), the first day (New Year's Day) and the last day (Lantern Festival). Here's how to celebrate.