Yesterday marked the official beginning of Chinese New Year. To many people, this late winter holiday means vibrant street festivities complete with fireworks, colorful dragon floats, and tasty Chinese goodies galore. To others, the term “Chinese New Year” barely rings a bell. But given the growing influence of Chinese culture, more people are learning about the holiday and making plans to participate in celebrations across the country and the world.

Let’s start with the basics. Chinese New Year takes place on the first day of the first lunar month of the Chinese calendar, and as such is also called the Lunar New Year. The ancient Chinese believed that a man-eating beast called the Nián emerged from his lair each year on this day to prey on humans. Believing this beast to be sensitive to loud noises and the color red, the early Chinese frightened it away with fireworks and bright red colors. These customs eventually evolved into the scintillating celebrations we enjoy today.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member captain oddsocks.

But it gets a bit more complicated than that--and a lot more fun. Each year also has a rotating animal theme. There are 12 themes in all: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. This particular year is the Year of the Rat--a concept which might not go over too well with Westerners. The Chinese zodiac, though, paints the rat (also sometimes referred to as the mouse--the Chinese character used doubles for both words) as hardworking, highly organized, and charismatic. The Year of the Rat also marks the recommencement of the 12-year cycle, and as such is said to be an exceptionally lucky year.

These days, Chinese New Year is a 15-day-long bonanza of fun, food, and fireworks. Cities from Hong Kong to London hold massive street festivals. Here in the U.S., major cities like Seattle, Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, and, perhaps most famously, San Francisco, also have plenty of upcoming events. Even smaller cities with less prominent Chinese-American populations often throw celebrations; check your local news sources for more information.

Happy Year of the Rat--and Gung Hay Fat Choy!