Orange trees and plum blossoms. Strings of firecrackers and clusters of gold coins. Dinners with family and offerings to ancestors. No event in the Chinese calender holds a greater importance, or is as richly celebrated, as the Lunar New Year. This complete introduction to the holiday explores its many symbols and rituals, tracing their history and meanings, and describing the differences in its celebration from Hong Kong to Taiwan, Singapore to mainland China. Beginning with notable days in the month preceding the holiday and extendingto the Lantern Festival fifteen days into the New Year, the author guides the reader through the etiquette of gift-giving and the selection of special foods, holiday greetings, and popular decorations. Many Chinese traditions have been lost forever, but in communities throughout the world the anticipation, preparation, and celebration of the Lunar New Year endures.