Full of Eastern promise

By Katherine MacColl

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IT'S a time for family and friends. But it's also a time to get the house cleaned, get your haircut, pay off your debts and perhaps buy new clothes.

��Press Association

The Chinese Year of the Snake, which starts on January 24, heralds the beginning of Spring. And Chinese people all over the world mark the occasion with a riot of colour and festivity.

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Chinese New Year celebrations can be traced back to the early days of civilisation, and these days it's a heady mix of tradition and fun.

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Homes are decorated with flowers and paper illustrated with the words Prosperity, Good Luck and Happiness in bold red and gold lettering.

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People everywhere exchange gifts and children are given red envelopes containing 'lucky money'.

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Food is very important as friends and family all gather for feasts. Dishes are placed at altars and offerings are made to the gods.

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The dragaon is a symbol�that has become very popular as it symbolises strength, good fortune and supernatural forces. Fireworks also mark the passing of the old year into the new.

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But where can you se it and how strictly is it observed

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The eve of New Year is the most traditional time when ancestors are honoured and food and incense is placed before the gods.

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Chinese people all over the world begin their celebrations on the 24th with cakes, lanterns, fireworks and house cleaning!

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In London, don't miss the lion dances and kung fu shows in Chinatown.

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San Francisco's Chinese community comes to life with colour and dance and there's a Ms Chinatown and USA pageant show in the city.

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In China, check out the Harbin Ice & Snow Festival as the Snake arrives to a park packed with icy sculptures.

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Singapore sees in the New Year with the celebrated Chingay Parade down Orchard Road, and Sydney's Chinese Garden of Friendship will come alive with more illuminations than Christmas.

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Wherever you are don't miss the spectacle.