Chinese New Year February 14

I'm sure you realize that February 14 is St. Valentine's Day, but did you know that this year it is also the Chinese New Year's Day? This year will be the Year of the Tiger. Actually it's just the first day of the new year celebration, which lasts 15 days. The last day is the Lantern Festival.

Traditionally the Chinese New Year festival is a time for celebration and feasting with family, although there are different activities traditional for different days and in different regions. Red decorations brighten windows and doorways, and gifts of money are given in red envelopes with wishes for health, wealth, and happiness in the coming year.

The day before New Year is a time to clean the house and sweep out any ill-fortune, and a time to forget grudges and reconcile conflicts to start anew in harmony. On the First Day families often visit and honor the eldest members of their extended family.

Firecrackers have traditionally been a part of Chinese New Year festivities. Loud noises and bright lights help frighten away Nien, a mythical monster, and other evil spirits. They also don't like the color red!

I have collected some wonderful old firecracker labels, and one day I'm going to make some collage sheets with them. If you like them let me know and maybe that will motivate me!