Chinese New Year 2010page 1 / 4
Chinese New Year 2010: The Year of the Tiger
On February 15, 2010, the Chinese New Year celebrations will begin and will last 15 days! This is the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar. The Chinese calendar differs from the Western calendar because it is based on the lunar year and follows a 12-year cycle. So, the date of Chinese New Year changes every year. The 12-year pattern aligns with the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. There are many legends that explain the creation of the Chinese Zodiac. The most common and popular legend explains that the Jade Emperor invited all the animals to participate in a race. The first twelve to cross the swift river and arrive at the finish would win a coveted position in the Chinese Zodiac. Each animal was awarded a position based when they arrived at the finish line and it is from this race that the traits of each animal in the Chinese Zodiac are derived.
