Today is the Chinese or Lunar New Year. It marks the beginning of the year of the Cow or Ox. Be sure to wish everyone "gong xi fa cai" (pronounced: gung hay fat choy; meaning: congratulations and be prosperous). Check out the festivities in Chinatown in New York City and in Flushing, Queens. Since it is traditionally celebrated for 15 days, here are a couple of other fun ways to celebrate Chinese New Year:
Clean your house or your room (not so fun, but Mom and Dad will be happy).
Make some New Year's paintings to put on your front door to keep bad spirits away.
Adults give children candy or money in red envelopes (give only even numbers of candy or money)
Eat mandarin oranges, they are a symbol of wealth and good fortune.
Buy new clothing, shoes and get a hair-cut - they all symbolize a fresh start for the new year.
Buying books during the new year celebration is considered bad luck because the Chinese word for "book" is a homonym for the Chinese word for "lose." (So come to the library instead!)