Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is a fifteen day celebration and is one of the culture's most important festivals. Like other new year celebrations, it is a time of renewal and includes repayment of debts, intensive house cleaning, buying new clothing, and feasting. During this time, friends and relatives give and receive red envelopes which contain money. On New Year's Eve, many people buy peach blossoms which are symbols of good luck. Fireworks are also included in the celebration.

The date of the Chinese New Year changes annually. In 1999, which is the year 4697 in the Chinese calendar, the New Year falls on February 16. 1999 marks the year of the sheep in the Chinese astrological calendar.