The beginning of the Year of the Ox starts on Monday and according to the lunar-calendar the celebration lasts for 15 days, ending on the first full moon of the new year. People who are born in that year are dependable, patient, methodical and they do not back down in the face of obstacles.

There are many customs in the Chinese tradition regarding the celebration of the New Year. For instance, people decorate their homes with red and golden ribbons or banners in order to attract luck and prosperity. They clean their houses but do not throw away the garbage until much later, after the celebration, so they do not sweep away all the good things they believe in.

And of course, there will always be the dance of the dragon! The mythology of the dragon is essential to the Chinese culture, and one of the highest forms of divinity in polytheistic Taoism. The year of the dragon is the most desired birth year in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese horoscope. This mythological creature is represented with horns of a stag, claws of an eagle, scales of a fish, whiskers of a cat and a body like a serpent. Therefore, the Chinese dragon embodies many creatures.

The European concepts of dragons portray these creatures as evil and destructive but the Chinese people think it is benevolent and brings luck, longevity and prosperity. It is believed that the longer the dragon the more luck it is supposed to bring. Prayers to the dragon are also believed to bring rain.

Tradition says that the dragon is awakened by the color red which symbolizes blood. Then it comes to life two weeks a year as China celebrates the Lunar New Year.

Another significant tradition regarding the celebration of the Year of the Ox is also the dance of the lion. According to the legend, a horrible monster called Nien terrorized a Chinese village on the new year. But the inhabitants of that particular village turned to the lions to chase the monster away. Nowadays, the lion dance is keeping the beast from rearing its head during the celebration. So the lion is believed to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck for the new year.

The long tradition of the Chinese New Year celebrations has always drawn many non-Chinese people.