By: Jason Shen

Every year on January 22, people celebrate Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year is a celebration that is mainly celebrated in Asia. This year is the year of the rabbit, included in a 12-animal chart with the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

The celebrations will start with a reunion dinner on January 21. The meal, thought to be the most important in the year, includes a whole chicken that symbolizes family togetherness, with long, uncut noodles that signify long life. Spring rolls — which resemble gold bars — are believed to bring prosperity. The feast generally comprises eight or nine dishes. In Chinese culture, eight is considered a lucky number, while nine represents longevity.

Not every country has the same animals. Vietnam has a cat instead of a rabbit. Cat people are said to be realistic, sensitive, peaceful, intelligent, and artistic! Japan’s zodiac animals consist of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar.