In past years working for a consumer product company, I have been aware of Chinese New Year because our products were made in China and factories shut down, so planning a calendar around their extended holiday was always important.

I have a client that is Chinese, so this year I wanted to have a better understanding. I figured it was similar to western New Years, but it is so much more. It is better known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival and celebrated by billions of people – not all Chinese – and is marked by themes of reunion and hope.

Thinking of those two concepts together is a new idea for me (I am more of an internal manifester), but it makes sense to gather and collaboratively wish for blessings and good fortune for the upcoming year.

The website Chinese New Year has put together an amazing amount of information on the significance, meaning, calendar of events, zodiac animals, and everything you would need to know about food, clothing, decor and taboos. I am looking forward to seeing what celebrations are like for the Lantern Festival on February 15!

To all of those who celebrate, wishing you a happy new year!