Second day of the Chinese New year - 4706 - "Year of the Rat"
February 8, 2008
It is believed that the second day of the Chinese New Year --
February 8 this year -- is the birthday of all
dogs so the dogs get extra food and kindness to celebrate.
The second day of the Chinese New Year is also for married daughters
to visit their birth parents. Traditionally, daughters who have been
married may not have the opportunity to visit their birth families
frequently. On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors
as well as to all the gods.
Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in
the Chinese calendar. The Chinese year 4706 begins on Feb. 7, 2008.
Chinese months are reckoned by the lunar calendar, with each month
beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally
start on the first day of the month and continue until the
fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. In China, people may take
weeks of holiday from work to prepare for and celebrate the New
Year.
2009 will be the Year of the Dog, beginning 26 January.
