Chinese New Year - Feb 10

The Chinese New Year is right around the corner! As you all might know, the Chinese New year can occur anytime between mid-January to February. The Chinese calender is lunisolar, and so it is also known as the Lunar new year. This year, the Chinese new year falls on 10 February 2013, and it will be the year of the snake. Chinese people living all over the world celebrate this festival with great pomp and show. Some of the countries that predominantly observe the Chinese New year other than China are; Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, and pockets of places with Chinese descendents in America.

Color of Chinese New Year: Red

The Chinese people start out the festivities by a thorough cleansing of their houses, followed by decorations. Red color is used lavishly in all decorations. Paper cut outs adorn doors and windows. Kids receive money in red envelopes from parents. Food mainly consists of chicken, pigs, ducks, and other sweet desserts. Wishes of good fortune, longevity, and happiness are exchanged with family and friends.

The iKolam community is mostly Indian and we do not celebrate the Chinese New Year. But, I'm sure that all of us enjoy reading and learning things regarding other cultures. And besides, there are some members like me, who love the color red! I think by now, all of you must have guessed where I'm going with this.

It's the year of the Snake, and that's the reason my dear Devourella slithered out of her hibernation today! Turns out she has been lonely and would like us to help her make some friends. Let's mark the Chinese new year, in our style by making some red snake rangolis. Please make sure it is a "she". Otherwise, pretty soon there is going to be a problem with lots of hatchlings slithering all over ikolam! In case if things do slither out, we are not responsible.

Please use the "Upload - Chinese new year rangolis" option from the main menu. Freehand or dotted, both are welcome.