Watch this video about the recent Year of the Rabbit and learn all about it.
Lunar New Year Celebrations Begin in China
Transcript:
Presenter: The Chinese New Year has arrived, and in China over a billion people are now celebrating the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit. Let’s take a look!
Reporter: The Chinese New Year is the most important festival for Chinese people. In Beijing celebrations began last night, with crowds gathering to watch a Chinese lion dance. The lion dance is believed to frighten away evil spirits and bring luck for the new year. Fireworks and firecrackers are also an important part of the celebration. For most Chinese, the new year is a time for family reunions, and a lot has to be prepared.
Zheng Luo, Beijing resident: We will make dumplings and buy all the decorations we need, and put them up in our home. Then on New Year’s Day, we will go round to visit our family and friends at their houses. Of course, we’re very excited! The Spring Festival is a traditional celebration for us Chinese people and we get very excited about it.
Reporter: This year will be the Year of the Rabbit. Shanghai’s Yue Garden has been decorated with lanterns to mark the occasion. The Year of the Rabbit is known for romance. Many young Shanghai residents are hopeful about what the year will bring.
Gu Xiantang, Shanghai resident: I hope my friends and I can find our direction in life this year, because we are at such an age that we should be looking for some improvement or growth in our work, as well as love life.
Reporter: And according to the Chinese horoscope, children born this year will be loyal, reliable and kind, but may have a tendency to cry.
