Chinese New Year 2010
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Preparing for Chinese New Year

Preparations for Chinese New Year begin well in advance. The house is swept clean and is thought to rid the dwelling of any lingering bad luck prior to celebrating the New Year. Sometimes houses or at the very least doors and windowsills are even given a new coat of red paint, red being a symbol of good luck. This is also the time of year to clean out your closets, buy new clothes and get a hair cut! All of these are thought to prepare you for a fresh start in the new year.

Houses are then decorated with paper cuts Chinese couplets displayed on two long posters or scrolls. The couplets show Chinese characters in elegant calligraphy on each and typically speak of luck and happiness. Couplets are usually hung on either side of the front door.

couplet