Mike and I arrived in Sydney and didn't realize that we were going to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in spectacular style in Sydney ,which hosts the largest celebrations in the world outside of Asia.
The Chinese lunar year is divided into 12 months of 29 or 30 days. Each year is named after one of 12 animals, and these 12-year cycles are continuously repeated. The Chinese zodiac is said to have originated with a race to determine the animals to be represented.
The cunning Rat hitched a ride on the back of the Ox and crossed the winning line first. The Rat was followed by Ox , Tiger, Rabbit Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. According to the Chinese zodiac, people take on the characteristics of the animal associated with their birth year.
The Chinese New Year occurs on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar which usually falls in February on the Gregorian calendar. Festivities continue for 15 days during which people wear red to symbolize fire to drive away bad luck.
We explored the exhibitions all around Sydney bringing to life the traditions of the Chinese New Year.
2020 is the year of the Rat and Sydney had Chinese New Year events that included the Lunar Lanterns trail and Lunar Lanes. It was so beautiful.
The Rat represents spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, and flexibility.
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