Chinese New Year 2018 - year of the Earth Dog

Lanterns decorations at Raohe street Night Market in Taipei, Taiwan Reuters/ Tyrone Siu

New Year celebration may be done for most, but not for Chinese people across the globe. The Chinese New Year celebration or Lunar New Year is scheduled on Feb. 16, Friday, and the year 2018 is the year of the Earth Dog.

People from mainland China and Chinese people from all over the world are preparing for the country's most relevant traditional festival. The celebration date for Chinese New Year is determined by the lunisolar Chinese calendar that pins the event either in late January or in the middle of February. Chinese New Year is defined as the first day of the traditional Chinese Calendar. The event is celebrated by hanging up red decorations, lanterns, general cleaning around the house, firecrackers, traditional Chinese food, red envelopes with money, and more.

The Chinese New Year is a time for the Chinese to honor their ancestors, to spread positive vibes to others, and most of all, spend quality time with the family. One of the most-anticipated activities during the Chinese New Year are the Dragon Dance parades. Just like the Christian New Year, the Chinese New Year celebration is celebrated all over the globe. Chinese people give out tasty delicacies and other foods to their friends and colleagues no matter their nationality.

China's economy gets a little boost during the Chinese New Year celebration with people from all over the world wanting to join the grand event.

Just like the changing date every year for the celebration, the Spring Festival also changes its Zodiac sign or animal yearly. For the year 2018, it is the Earth Dog's turn. The Chinese New Year revolves around the repeating 12-year cycle with Zodiac signs or animals taking turns. The last year of the Dog is back in 2006, and the next one will be in 2030 with the celebration slated on Feb. 3, 2030.

The 2018 Lunar New Year of the Earth Dog will commence on Feb. 16 and conclude on Feb. 4, 2019. According to Chinese Horoscope, 2018 will be a year of both happiness and struggle.

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