Saturday, February 13, 2010

Happy Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day

In Beijing, Tibetan students celebrate the Year of the iron Tiger.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-02/13/c_13174737.htm


This year, starting on Feb 14th, Spring Festival coincides with Valentine's Day.





Even the animals get into the mood. This is the season to make preperations for the coming new year, visit family, and enjoy special food and traditions.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english2010/special/springfestival2010/

Although most folks refer to the Chinese following the "lunar" calandar, in fact, they follow the solar-lunar calandar. This is a 60 year cycle. Originally used by farmers to plan planting, the wonderful calandar, with famous ox pictures, is not unlike the Old Farmer's Almanac.

In two weeks the New year festival will conclude with the Lantern Festival, and young folks, who pine to be with their lovers, instead of family, will be together then.

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