GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Chinese New Year will be celebrated worldwide on Sunday 22 January. This year rings in the Year of the Rabbit, one of 12 animal designations in the Chinese zodiac which follow a 12-year cycle.
Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be talented, affectionate people who appreciate peace and tranquillity.
The 12 animal designations are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
Background
Dating back to the 14th century BC, the traditional Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, which means that it is based on astronomical observations of the sun’s position in the sky and the moon’s phases.
Festivities include dragon dances, festival parades and acrobatics, that continue for two weeks, culminating in a lantern festival.
For the New Year, it’s traditional to serve long noodles - symbolising a long life - or Chinese dumplings - symbolising good luck and wealth.
Hermann (6), Hano (3) and Ruth (10) Müller of Victoria Heights kick off their Chinese New Year celebrations with their pet rabbit.
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