The Lunar New Year Is Upon Us

In the western world, we celebrated the start of 2009 three weeks ago. But in the Asian culture, the year 4707 is about to begin.

Approximately one-fourth of the world follows this lunar calendar, and brings in their new year with feasts and celebrations designed to bring luck, abundance, and good fortune for the coming year.

While New Year's in the West is more of a party, the Lunar New Year holds great cultural importance, and is a major event with a rich and deep tradition.

The Chinese zodiac consists of twelve signs that each span one year. The ox is a symbol of prosperity achieved through hard work and dedication. Those born in the Year of the Ox are considered natural leaders, dependable, and patient and tireless. They are steadfast in their resolve once they set their mind on something, and are very logical. President Barack Obama was born in the year of the ox.

Traditional celebrations include ornate dances, dubbed the "dragon and lion dances," that include fancy paper mache costumes, beating drums, and ferocious dancing. Firecrackers are also lit to ward off any bad spirits.

The Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration. The actual calculation of the date for the new year is not based on the actual cycle of the moon. The calculation comes from the lunisolar calendar. In simple terms, the calendar takes into account the difference between the phases of the moon and the earth's 365-day rotation around the sun.

Celebrations are happening all over the world, and if you are in a city with a large Chinese population, you can probably find a celebration to attend.