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Chinese New Year is celebrated by all Chinese across the world. Chinese New Year,' Xin Nian' also known as Spring Festival falls in January or February every year. The calculation for the commencement of a new year is based on the lunar calendar; which correspond with the moon cycle. Hence, the date differs year by year. Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days, the first two days observed more prominently. This year, Chinese New Year begins on the 26th January, 2009.

There is a mythological legend about Xin Nian. According to legends, a mythical beast called, Nian' visit villages on the first day of New Year, terrorised the villagers and devour their livestock and crops. To protect themselves against Nian', the villagers would put food at their doorstep. It is believed that the beast would eat the food prepared and would not attack the people. There was also another tale about the beast scared away by a child wearing red. Hence if you would often see homes in red decorations like red lanterns, red scrolls and red banner at the door. Firecrackers made into the shape of bamboos are fired to frighten away the beast.

Like Christmas, preparation for the beginning of the Chinese New Year starts a few weeks before the day. There will be preparation of food, cakes, tarts and biscuits are make to be given away as gifts and to serve their guest during the celebrations. Young couples will buy gifts for their elders as a form of respect and to thank them for their guidance. The homes will be given a good clean as it is bad luck to bring an unclean home into the New Year. This is also the time for new things, new curtains, and new furniture if needed. Most importantly, new set of clothes to wear during the celebrations and it will usually be in shades of red.

The most important meal is the reunion dinner on the eve of the New Year. This is the dinner where everyone in the family, from grandparents to grand children gathers for a feast. As from the word reunion dinner, it is a time for family to reunite and celebrate. After dinner, some families would visit the flower market or participate in some outdoor celebrations. This is the night where children are not asked to go to bed early. There is a belief that the longer a child stays up on Chinese New Year's Eve, the parents would enjoy longevity. It is called Shou Sui'

The first two day of the Chinese New Year is the time for visiting. There is a hierarchy here; the eldest in the family would always be visited by the youngest

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