HAPPY NEW YEAR, YEAR OF THE RABBIT!!

February 3rd is the first day of the Chinese New Year 2011.
Chinese New Year will be here soon and so with it comes the start of the “Year of the Rabbit”.
The Chinese New Year is a time to welcome longevity, wealth and prosperity and to eliminate any negative chi from the past.
The Chinese New Year includes several traditions that date back thousands of years. The first day of Chinese New Year is the first day of the month, but most traditions don’t begin until the evening of the first day. The tradition of cleaning the home thoroughly, to sweep away any bad luck, being several days before the New Year, and many also begin to paint their doors and windows red.
The color red is important during Chinese New Year, since it symbolizes fire, which is the element that is thought to reduce bad luck. Giving red envelopes to friends and family is a common tradition during Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year traditions are found in many places, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Chine and Singapore. Countries with a large Chinese population celebrate the New Year by following these ancient traditions. You will often find windows and doors decorated with paper decorations considered to bring luck and fortune to the family, feasts that begin on the eve of the New Year and fireworks.
The New Year is also a time when most who follow these traditions work to let go of past conflicts. The Year of the Rabbit is a great time to let go of old grudges and ill feelings, since this happy-go-lucky character is so relaxed and carefree.

Happy Chinese New Year!