NOUVEL AN CHINOIS

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, ends with the Lantern Festival, 15 days later. Determined by the lunar calendar, its date varies from year to year. Tradition dictates that the new year should start well, with all the bad influences of the previous year dispelled and the auspicious signs surrounding us. Celebrations include a New Year's Eve feast of auspiciously named dishes, followed by a night of wakefulness to ensure longevity. Mahjong is played, and gifts are distributed in red envelopes(hongbao).