Chinese New Year 2012 - The Year of the Dragon

Edit: see also part II -> [link] and part III -> [link]

New Year also known as Chinese New Year (or Spring Festival) is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is sometimes called the "Lunar New Year" by native English speakers. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as chú xī. It literally means "Year-pass Eve".

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Lunar Calendar. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most.

The Chinese New Year celebrations are marked by visits to kin, relatives and friends, a practice known as "new-year visits". New clothes are usually worn to signify a new year. The colour red is liberally used in all decorations. Red packets are given to juniors and children by the married and elders.

Done with Illustrator and PS.