When is Chinese New Year in 2018, why is it the year of the dog and how is the date and animal decided?

When is Chinese New Year in 2018, why is it the year of the dog and how is the date and animal decided?

Unlike other country's festivities, which always take place at midnight between December 31 and January 1, Chinese New Year varies each year - and in 2018 it all kicks off in mid-February.

When is the 2018 Chinese New Year?

The 2018 Chinese New Year begins on Friday, February 16.

The celebrations are tipped to last for over two weeks - and if you fancy making a trip before the festivities end, read this guide for a first-timer's trip to China.

Chinese New Year takes place on a different date each year because it is based on the lunar calendar.

New Year's Day normally falls between January 21 and February 20.

How is the Chinese New Year celebrated?

The global celebrations are an explosion of light and sound - involving bell ringing, lighting firecrackers, and watching traditional lion dances.

Chinese families gather together for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, and clean their houses to sweep away bad fortune on New Year's Day.

Traditionally, kids would be given red envelopes stuffed with 'lucky money' and positive wishes on New Year's Day.

Some teens now have red envelope apps, so their relatives can transfer cash digitally.

Which animal is 2018?

2018 will be the Year of the Dog.

The Chinese zodiac moves in a 12-year cycle, and those born in 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018 are also known as Dogs.

According to the Asian astrology, your year of birth - and the animal this represents - determines a lot about your personality traits.

Although each of the 12 animals gets an outing every dozen years, there are different varieties - and 2018 will be the first year of the earth dog since 1958.

Anyone born in an earth dog year will be communicative, serious, and responsible in the workplace.