Traditions and Customs
Just like turkey and stockings at Christmas, Chinese New Year in Hong Kong has a long list of traditions and customs. Many of the traditions have a similar flavor to those during Christmas, such as visiting family and exchanging gifts. However, the 24hr temples and heaving flower markets are just a few of the unique elements during Chinese New Year in Hong Kong.
Superstitions
The Chinese are firm believers in good and bad luck, and Chinese New Year is a veritable Russian roulette of luck. Although there is nothing you can do to change the inherent luck in your star sign, Chinese New Year is the best opportunity to bank yourself some luck for the coming year. From not cleaning the house, to stowing away your scissors, everything is designed to bring success and prosperity for the coming year.
What To See
Chinese New Year celebrations in local Chinatowns around the world are in the most part the offspring of those in Hong Kong. Thanks to streams of emigration from the city, much of what is seen in Chinese celebrations from San Francisco to Sydney, originates from Hong Kong. Hong Kong's celebrations are the king of them all, and the city is full to bursting with events for Chinese New Year. The crowning glory of the city's events is the International Chinese New Year parade, a must see, if you're in the city.
Horoscopes
Each lunar year is dominated by one of the 12 Chinese animal signs, which in turn decides whether your year will be a stormer or a stinker. Most of this depends on your own animal sign being on good terms with this years animal sign, as well as a host of stars that decide everything from your career prospects to what color you should paint your kitchen.
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