Happy Chinese New Year!! Today is the beginning of the biggest holiday celebrated in China. Most of the govt offices and all business will be closed for about 4-5 days. It is a very BIG deal in China, kind of like our Christmas Celebration. They have been preparing and working up to the big celebration for over a month (like we do Christmas). 2011 is the Year of the White Metal Rabbit. 
Here is a little about Chinese New Year traditions:
Chinese Lunar New Year (a.k.a. Spring Festival) is one of the most significant of Asian holidays and a time for feasting, reflection and renewal. Traditionally celebrated over 15 days, many Asian shops are closed so you better get your shopping or business done! The New Year's Eve dinner is the most important family ritual of the year, representing a night of unity, reunion, harmony. Red envelopes (hong bao), fresh flowers, and new outfits abound, kids can stay up late, and seniors do the "longevity vigil" as a positive sign of their vitality. Popular dishes include anything whole (complete) or long (longevity) plus fresh and candied fruit that represent good health, happiness, prosperity and blessings: Whole chicken or fish (don't flip the fish when eating, akin to old fisherman's tale of flipping a boat); long noodles, long leafy greens, long string beans, kumquats, oranges. Lion dancing is another tradition during this time (Jan to Apr) to chase away demons and bring good luck to businesses and communities.
We will be celebrating on Saturday with some of other adoptive families for a fun Chinese Happy New Year lunch!
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