Every dog has its day (From Warrington Guardian)

Every dog has its day

SCHOOL children from across the town got creative this week as they celebrated Chinese New Year with traditional Chinese activities and visits from some very special guests.

Sunday saw the start of 2006 in the Chinese calendar, the year of the dog.

There are 12 animals in the Chinese calendar so every 12 years the type of animal comes around again.

The Chinese New Year occurs at the time of the second new moon after the winter solstice and the 15th day of the New Year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.

Chinese New Year is celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving.

The celebration is traditionally marked with a religious ceremony given in honour of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors.

sharker@guardiangrp.co.uk