TODAY, JANUARY 23, is a very special day for Chinese all around the globe as it marks the start of Chinese New Year, which is also considered one the most important traditional Chinese holidays. As per Chinese Fortune Calendar, the year 2012 is 4709th Chinese year. Though, some websites maintain that it is 4710th. The Chinese New year never falls on the same day. Last year it fell on February 3, which was considered to be a year of the rabbit.

Similarly, 2012 is the year of the water dragon, reported DNA. Dragon is the most powerful of all the 12 zodiac signs, which is linked to prosperity. Married couples would be very eager to give birth to their babies during the year, as it is considered to be lucky for the family. Babies, born during this year would be deemed to be born under a lucky star, which would make them powerful.

Though for the day to day functioning of the country, the Chinese use the Georgian calendar, but when it comes to various holidays and arranging marriage dates and traditional holidays, lunisolar calendar is used, which is a combination of both the solar and the lunar calendars, reports earthsky.org.

It is celebration time for the people living in China, as they are seen in joyous moods greeting their neighbours, friends, etc. They go out for shopping and buy clothes and eat a sumptuous meal. Their houses are well lit and decorated basically with red coloured paper on their doors and windows. They even clean their houses neatly, as it is considered to bring luck. Some of them invite friends over to their place and have a blast. It is a time, where the whole nation is in a colourful party mood. It is during this celebration, where their cultures, traditions beliefs are on full display. The celebrations last over a span of around 15 days.

It is not only people residing in China, who celebrate the New Year, with lots of energy and passion. Even Chinese, who are scattered all around the world, make it a point to be a part by celebrating in whatever way they can, in their respective locations.