Chinese New Year

British PM sends warmest wishes for Chinese New Year

LONDON, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has sent his warmest wishes for the Chinese New Year, according to Sing Tao Daily on Thursday.

In his letter of best wishes to Sing Tao Daily, the largest Chinese daily in Europe, Brown said, "The year of the Rat will be a momentous one for China. Your country will host the Olympic Games in August and the world will see how fast China has developed in three decades of reform."

"During my visit last month, I witnessed the vision of the Beijing games becoming a reality," he said. "I hope these Olympics will be the best ever, and I am proud that you will be passing the Olympic torch to us as the games close."

The prime minister also said that he believed 2008 would be an auspicious year for relations between China and Britain. "I particularly welcome the growing contacts between young people -- the new and expanded initiatives to bring more Chinese students to the UK and to give more British students the opportunity to experience China first hand," he said.

"Hong Kong provides a very special connection between us, and since 1997 has truly become a bridge not a barrier to better relations," he added. "I continue to wish the people of Hong Kong my very best."

At the end of his letter, Brown wished Chinese families all happiness, good health and good fortune for the year ahead.

Chinese New Year celebration brings in the year of the rat

In ancient China, it was said that every 12 months, a man-eating beast would descend from the mountains to prey on any humans that crossed its path. Nián, as the mythological lion-esque creature was known, was believed to be startled by loud noises and the color red, so people scared it off with fireworks and scarlet lanterns decorating their homes.Centuries later, people no longer fear being devoured by a carnivorous mountain beast, but Guò nián, which literally means "passover of the nián," has evolved into modern-day Chinese New Year, a 15-day celebration characterized by fireworks, feasts and traditions.

Unlike the arithmetical Gregorian calendar, the Chinese calendar is based on lunar and solar movements. Rather than occurring every Jan. 1, Chinese New Year falls on different days every year. Today is the celebration's first day of 2008.Chinese astrology has 12 year-long signs, instead of 12 month-long signs throughout the year, each of which is represented by a different animal and based on the position of Jupiter. 2008 is the year of the rat.

Chinese New Year is filled with traditions, though they vary depending on people and regions. Customs include cleaning the entire house the day before the celebration starts; wearing red, a bright color that is seen as an indication of a bright future; and adults giving children red envelopes with "lucky money" inside. A clean house symbolizes a fresh start, and garbage, representing any bad luck that may have accumulated over the previous year, is taken out the back door.

Chinese New Year culminates with the Lantern Festival when children carry bright, elaborate lanterns, which represent the full moon. According to Chinese legend, lanterns showed appreciation for the higher powers by giving some light back. A popular symbol of the celebration, lanterns decorate homes during Chinese New Year.