Lunar New Year, also called The Chinese New Year (even though it is also celebrated by other cultures and countries including Vietnam and Korea), began on February 1st of this year and is a celebration of good luck, good fortune, and the importance of gathering families together to honor and remember ancestors. 

The Lunar New Year is based on the cycles of the moon, and the twelve animal zodiacs and five elements that are represented in the lunar calendar. Each culture has its own traditions, rituals and unique ways to celebrate the holiday, many which are based on legends. 

Here are some more fun facts about Lunar New Year:

-The 12 zodiac animals of the Lunar New Year calendar are: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig, and the five elements are earth, water, fire, wood and metal. Each year has it's own special zodiac animal. For instance, if you are 8 years old and born in 2014, your zodiac animal is the horse. Click here to identify your zodiac animals and those of your friends and family.

The Lunar New Year in different countries:

China: The Lantern Festival is a lively event full of fireworks, music, and dancing held on the last day of the Chinese New Year.

Vietnam: homes are decorated with fruits and flowers.

Korea: The Lunar New Year is called Seollal.

Check out the following books where you can learn more about The Lunar New Year:

Who's been eating my congee? Who's been sleeping in my futon? Join Goldy Luck as she celebrates the Chinese New Year and learns that treating others with kindness and gratitude gives you the best luck of all.

DVD available to request from libraries outside of Worcester.

A sweet and heartwarming story about Pacy and her family as she navigates how to find out who she really is during The Year of the Dog.

Also available in audiobook, and eBook formats.

Eight year old Mindy Kim celebrates her Korean family's Lunar New Year.

Also available in eBook and eAudio formats.

Chock full of everything you would ever need to know about Chinese New Year. Includes a special section about how Chinese New Year is celebrated around the world and throughout many different communities.

A vibrant, bilingual picture book featuring the different colors of objects and symbols celebrated during Chinese New Year. 

Faryn Liu=Jade Emperor Warrior who fights demons with dragons. An epic adventure!

Also available in eBook format.

A cookbook of stories and recipes celebrating different cultural holidays. Check out the recipes for Spring Rolls and Loo-Roll Dragon for Chinese New Year. Other fun holidays include: Basant Kite Festival, Holi, and Eid. 

Also check out Nadiya's Bake Me a Story and Bake Me a Festive Story

This is a great book for our littles. Part of the Celebrate the World series including: Dia De Los Muertos, Diwali, and Ramadan.

Also available in eBook format.

-Cara