Chinese New Year is an extraordinary celebration full of food, fireworks, floating lanterns and family time. Many do not even realize the amazing culture and ongoing traditions of China.

Upon interviewing a Taiwanese immigrant to the United States, the deep culture of the celebration was explored. Rose Lamberty shared her favorite traditions that have been passed on for generations. This 15 day long celebration is a prominent part of Asian culture. With generous bonuses of up to $40,000, bosses and families reap the benefits and excitement of the holiday.

“Our Chinese New Year is like American’s Christmas,” Lamberty said.

Similar to this iconic holiday, the Chinese prepare months in advance for this holiday. Chinese New Year does not fall on the regular new year because they follow the Lunar calendar.

Lion dances are a common occurrence in the culture. They consist of two acrobats, each in a lion costume, working together to act as one lion. During the several parades that take place over the 15 day event, the dragon makes a decorative appearance and people gather from all around to watch it march the streets.

The phrase “dinner and a show” stands true in this culture. On Chinese New Year, the family gathers and prepares a feast. Common foods include dumplings, caviar, hot pot and delicacies like shark fin, Chinese cake and cow testicles. Although the food is uncommon in American culture, and illegal in some parts, it is a large part of the cultural celebration in China. Fireworks, parades and floating lanterns can be seen everywhere and families come together and gather at home.

Junior Emily Luc also celebrates Chinese New Year in Chinatown in Chicago and shares her favorite traditions.

“There are a lot of superstitions, such as wearing new clothes and shoes, not washing your hair on the new year day, not cutting your hair the first day and not swearing or talking about bad things on the day,” Luc said.

Aside from superstitions, there are also several customs, like wearing red.

“Women occasionally wear traditional Chinese dresses called Cheongsam or Qipao, but a lot of people don’t follow these traditions because there are so many,” Luc said. “We don’t go all out usually, but in China, it’s huge.”

One of the most common traditions is the red envelope. It is filled with money and is a small token to wish people a happy new year.

“Usually only non-married people get them, so it’s really great every year to make fun of my cousins who haven’t gotten married yet,” Luc said.

Here are the years for Rooster Zodiac signs: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029.

For more ways to celebrate, visit http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-report/chinese-new-year/.