As the new year festivities begin to descend, the Chinese continue to celebrate. Around the world, different countries celebrate various holidays and traditions. China, specifically, celebrates their history with the Chinese New Year.

In the 14th century, the Chinese created their own lunar calendar. The traditional calendar marks the start of the year on the second new moon after the winter solstice, and ends on the full moon fifteen days later. The celebration allows family and friends to visit each other, exchange gifts, watch fireworks, parade, and more.

Each year, the start and end of the celebration varies. For 2019, the calendar marked the event to start on Feb. 5 and to end on Feb. 20.

During every New Year, there is a specific zodiac animal assigned. The Chinese have the “Chinese Zodiac”, known as the Sheng Xiao, which is a twelve year cycle containing a specific animal relating to each year. The Year of the Pig is occurring for the Chinese in 2019.

The Year of the Pig has taken place many years prior. Since the Chinese Zodiac is a twelve year cycle, the Year of the Pig occurred in 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, and 2007. The year you were born on represents what animal you resemble. The year of the Pig classifies those who are born within the year to be lazy, clumsy, and whom loves to sleep and eat.

Cultural differences are existent all over the world. Traditions and celebrations that are important to one  culture are special and can bring millions of people together. Learning and understanding the traditions are one step closer to bringing everyone in the world together as one.