Chinese New Year: Happy 4709!

Anybody got a bunny costume?

Thursday marks the start of the Year of the Rabbit and all over the world people will be celebrating with crazy pyrotechnics, outlandish costumes and goodies galore. Lion dancers will take to the streets and gifts of money and food (like rabbit shaped sweet rice cakes) will be given to family members. The party lasts for almost two weeks and makes up the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar.

About 230 million people (more than the entire Brazilian population) will be traveling home for the festivities this week, making it the world's biggest annual human migration.

The transition from Tiger to Rabbit brings a change of vibe to the lunar year: The Year of the Rabbit is said to be a peaceful one, with those on either side of it (Tiger and Dragon) known for global unrest and change.



Source: Time Magazine
Link: Chinese New Year: Happy 4709! The True Meaning of the Year of the Rabbit