Happy Chinese New Year!

This year is the year of the tiger according to Chinese zodiac. Those born in the year of the tiger are said to be brave, competitive, unpredictable, and confident.

Chinese New Year begins February 1st and ends with the lantern festival on February 15th.

On New Year’s Eve, people will gather with their extended families for a reunion dinner to celebrate and wish each other good fortune and blessings in the coming year. This is also when red envelopes are exchanged. The envelopes are red because the color is associated with luck and prosperity. The money inside is hoped to bring good fortune and blessings.

During this celebration, people like to have plenty of fruits around their house like oranges, red apples, tangerines with leaves on, kumquats and pomelo grapefruits. Fruits are associated with good luck and fortune. People will also cook up some special food to share with their family.