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Millions of people worldwide will celebrate the Chinese New Year 2012.The event is not a single day but spread over a full two weeks. The Chinese New Year is one event that is steeped in tradition. Here are some of them:

1. Adults, both married and unmarried, give out red envelopes to kids during this event. The envelopes have cash in them.

These envelopes are also handed out to workers by their employers. It’s believed that doing so bring great fortune. The quantity inside the envelope should be in even numbers, preferably 8, which the Chinese regard as a lucky number.

2. The Chinese regard tangerines as a lucky fruit, so you will find these fruits serve in conventional Chinese New Year feasts. Children are expected to wish their elders a pleased new year and offer them two tangerines as they do so, which is a sign that they are also wishing for their elders to become lucky in the new year.

3. Any Chinese New Year parade wouldn’t be complete without the dragon and lion dance. You’ll see this dance in many Chinatowns worldwide. Power and good luck are represented by the dragon. The dance is meant to welcome prosperity and great fortune for the new year.

4. Red banners are hung up all over the houses. The banners could be painted or printed using the word “Fu” for luck, or be printed with short couplets or poems that express gratitude for the blessings in the prior year and hopeful wishes for the coming one.

5. Lanterns are a typical sight during the Chinese New Year. Not a surprise since the Chinese New Year is called the Lantern Festival too. Individuals purchase these lanterns to light them up. It is their way of ushering in the new year. Some walk about with lit lanterns on the streets, whilst other people string them up outside their houses.

6. Many people place riddles on the lanterns. Individuals write the riddles on a piece of paper and stick them on towards the lantern. Anyone — guests and passersby — can attempt to guess the riddle. If they answer it correctly, they get a present from the person who hung the lantern.

7. The Chinese New Year is also a time when the ancestors are remembered. This is done by saying prayers in their honor. People also make certain to burn incense sticks as they say their prayers and thank them for any blessings that they received during the previous year.

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