About this item

No matter where a person lives on Earth, approximately every 365 days one year ends and a new one begins. People all over the world-regardless of race, ethnic background, or religious beliefs-celebrate these two events. These holidays are an opportunity to acknowledge the passing of the old year and to look forward to the year to come. Typically, people reflect on the events of the previous year and set personal and family goals for the next year. It is common for people to serve special good-luck foods and to participate in rituals that symbolize the passing away or ending of the old year and the beginning of a new one. In some countries, New Year is also an occasion for exchanging gifts. This book focuses on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day-the two-day public holiday that is probably the most widely celebrated holiday in the world-and Chinese New Year, which is celebrated by more than 1 billion people every year.