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• Feb 7, 2008 7:40 am US/Eastern
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  Chinese Celebrate 'Year of the Rat'

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Chinese Celebrate 'Year of the Rat'

Lunar New Year Begins Today

NEW YORK (CBS) ― More than a billion people around the world are celebrating the Lunar New Year. For many families, it's the most joyous holiday of the year. As CBS 2 HD reports, it's steeped in tradition with a lot of do's and dont's when it comes to good luck.

Lions are dancing in Chinatown, and restaurants are filled with folks celebrating the Year of the Rat.

Paul Lee was born and raised in Chinatown, and as he talks to CBS 2, we learn he's a busy man, especially this time of year.

"One, I have to get my haircut today or tomorrow. That's important for men. Two, I don't know where this tradition came from, but I have to get new underwear," said Lee.

Another rule: No negativity allowed on the Chinese New Year's Day. That means no shouting and yelling at anyone.

"Even the gangs used to suspend fighting during the Chinese New Year time, they would either rush their fights in early or wait until after the season to begin battling again," Lee told CBS 2.

For good luck, eat dumplings, fish, apples and oranges. Also, get that broom out.

"Definitely before the New Year you should clean your whole house from top to bottom, you want to sweep out the bad luck of the previous year. You should pay off all your debt because you don't want to go into the New Year owing people money," said Deanna Lee of the Asia Society.

Children will get money in little red envelopes, but they should stay away from eating pears on New Years and anything to do with the number 4, which is very unlucky, according to Deanna.

While many people call the holiday "Chinese" New Year, it's better to go with "Lunar" New Year to include everyone.

"It has been celebrated for a very long time by Koreans, Vietnamese, and by Chinese communities in many Asian and South Asian countries," said Deanna.

No matter where you celebrate, the holiday is about family and new beginnings.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

The Lunar New Year starts on February 7 and lasts for 15 days, ending on the 21st. 

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