The Chinese New Year on January 25th 2020 is the beginning of the Year of the Metal Rat. This is China’s biggest holiday when people travel from all over the world to be with their families.

The Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days and as it is all about cycles of the moon it can occur anytime between January 21st and February 20th. In China, it is also known as the Spring Festival and marks an end to the coldest days of winter and marks a time for new beginnings.

If you were born in 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 or 2008 then you are a member of the rat zodiac sign.

The Chinese New Year is steeped in history and legends of monsters and the colour red. Before the new moon, you must clean your house from top to bottom to rid yourself of any ill-fortune but if this is done after the new moon you may be sweeping away your good fortune.

Food is a large part of the celebrations, dumplings, rice balls, candied fruit and all things sweet. Children are given red envelopes of lucky money, not just for luck but to keep them safe from monsters.

We hope this year will bring you good luck, fortune and new friendships, and enjoy however you choose to celebrate this Chinese New Year.

Happy New Year: 新年快乐 (xīn nián kuài lè)