Chinese New Year

The Chinese year 4710, begins on January 23, 2012 and is the Year of the Dragon, which symbolizes breathing fire into the year. The Chinese New Year is one of the most important celebrations in the Chinese calendar, and festivities usually start on January 1st and continue until the 15th, when the moon is the brightest. Chinese months are calculated by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. In China, people may take several weeks off from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year.

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve animals met him so Buddha named a year after each one. He said that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Are you a monkey or a rat, clink the link below to find out....
http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/2012.htm