This year the Chinese New Year is celebrated on January 29th, until February 2nd
This year is the Snake Year.
Those born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 have the Snake as their Chinese zodiac sign.
People who are born in the Snake year are calm, wise, observant and mysterious.
Firstly, wear something red the day before Chinese New Year. I wear red socks. In Chinese traditions, it is believed that wearing red clothes in the New Year bring good luck and avoids misfortune.
Secondly, my family starts to put red plates on a table, each containing different food.
I don't know the meaning behind these offerings,but I think they're meant to show the New Year spirit. There is one thing which I do know the meaning, the fish. There's a Chinese idiom that says "年年有余 (nian nian you yu)", which means "may you always get more than you wish for". The pronounciacion of 余 meaning surplus, is the same as fish 鱼 yü, that's why fish is eaten.
Thirdly, I receive red packets. They are red enveloped with money inside which is given at social family gathering and holidays, in this case Chinese New Year.
Lastly, I light up sparklers because I don't like loud noises.