Chinese New Year is the first day of the new year according to the lunisolar Chinese calendar. Since the calendar is based on the phases of the moon, Chinese New Year is also named the “Lunar New Year.”

In 2014, the day takes place on Jan. 31, the first day of the Chinese New Year.

According to the 12-­animal Chinese zodiac, this is the year of the horse.

Individuals born in this year are energetic, intelligent, cheerful and talented. Overall, 2014 is a year for self­improvement.

Senior Christine Nguyen said, “I have celebrated Chinese New Year ever since I was a little girl. My family celebrates it because being part­-Chinese, it is tradition for us to celebrate it as part of our culture. This year, we are going into Chinatown to watch celebrations before eating a family dinner.”

Firecrackers, red paper envelopes of money and lion dances are common in celebrations. Many families eat traditional Chinese foods and gather in celebration of the new year. Noodles represent longevity in the new year while dumplings symbolize happiness and celebration.

Senior Katie Lee said, “During Chinese New Year, we eat zhai, which is a mixture of vegetables with no meat. This reflects the teaching of the Buddha because it is believed to be too cruel to kill a living thing. I’m not sure about other families, but a few days after New Year my family goes to the cemetery and burns special papers folded into money for our ancestors.”

Chinese New Year is a time to honor ancestors and heavenly deities, according to tradition. Additionally, homes are cleaned to make room for good luck.

Senior Angela Wong said, “In many households, including mine, it was a superstition to clean or organize the house before the actual day. Based on superstition, it is unlucky to do any cleaning on New Year’s Day because it meant that the good fortune was being swept or thrown out.”