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January 29, 2006

Lunar New Year 2006

It's the Year of the Dog.

Also known as the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year is a two week celebration that begins on the first day of the first month of the Lunar calendar (typically in late January/mid-February) and ends on the full moon 15 days later. It celebrates the family, the earth coming back to life and the start of a new beginning and possibilities. A major holday, Lunar New Year is celebrated in China, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and in Asian communities all around the world.

There are many traditional taboos for Spring Festival. Crying on New Year's Day means you will cry for the rest of the year, and washing your hair signifies washing away good luck. The number "four" is banned because it sounds like the word for "death," and using knives or scissors may cut off good fortune.

Cindy