Are you excited about the celebrations on New Year? Chinese New Year 2012 is all about the unique decoration ideas, traditions and fun celebrations. Don’t miss the chance and witness this amazing event which is observed with great festivity and joy.

The 2012 new beginning which is observed on the February 3 is known as, Chinese New Year 2012. Each Chinese year is denoted by one animal. This fifteen days celebration signifies the various customs and traditional practices.

The calculation of dates is based on the lunisolar calendar and the time usually falls during harvesting season. The new year is also celebrated to showcase the happiness of harvested crops.

Chinese New Year celebrations 2012

The much awaited spring festival is the most important traditional festival in China. In 2011, the New Year begins on February 3rd and ends on the 9th. It is declared public holiday for most of the Chinese cities. People plan family gatherings, holidays and vacation trips to visit their loved ones during this time.

Spring festival is officially declared holiday in Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Singapore. Where as, in Hong Kong and Macau only first three are holidays for the people. In mainland China, people enjoy seven days off for the New Year preparations and celebrations.

There are various events organized by the local people to welcome 2012. Dragon dance, lion performances and musical bands are the popular events that would take place on 2012 new year Chinese celebrations. Some of the noteworthy events are –

• Lunar New Year Fairs (flower markets) – This would take place by the end of January and early February.
  
  
• Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night parade – 3rd February
  
  
• Lunar New Year fireworks display – 4th February
  
  
• Chinese New Year Race day (Horse race) - 5th February
  
  
• Lunar New Year Cup (soccer tournament) – early February
  
  
• Lunar New Year Lantern carnival 2011 – February
  
  
• Hong Kong Tennis Classic 2011 – 5th – 8th January
  
  
• Hong Kong salsa festival 2011 – 14th – 20th February
  
  
• The 39th Hong Kong Arts Festival 2011 – 17th February – 27th March
  
  
• Lunar New Year Lantern festival – February
  
  
• Hong Kong Marathon 2011 – February
  
  
• 2011 Lunar New Year Cup (Soccer tournament) – February

Zodiac significance of 2012 Chinese New Year

The Chinese zodiac calendar shows that year 2011, the year of rabbit. Chinese New Year 2012 starts on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012. According to the Chinese New Year calendar, the rabbit is the 4th sign of the zodiac cycle. People born in this year would show all the characteristics of the animal sign.

The people who are born in the rabbit year are very shy and introvert. They are friendly but, are more comfortable in group of friends. They are very good teachers, communicators and counselors.

Traditions of Chinese New Year 2012

• House cleaning is done by all the members of the family. This is one of the very old customs which is believed to bring luck and wealth to home.
  
  
• People visit their loved ones and family gatherings are arranged to enjoy the reunion dinner.
  
  
• Adults gift red envelopes with money in it to the younger ones in the family.
  
  
• Decorations are done with lanterns and bamboo shoots to welcome the good luck, health and longevity.