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While the world welcomes New Year with the beginning of a new calendar, in most cultures all around the world, the New Year is welcomed in many different ways, sometimes even at a different time. The Chinese New Year is one of them where the citizens of China along with most of their neighbours such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, welcome the New Year with the onset of spring. The festival, also called the Spring Festival, starts on the first day of the very first month, continues for fifteen days and comes to an end with the Lantern Festival.

As the New Year draws close, a number of open air markets are set up selling wares such as fire crackers, toys and flowers which are often purchased as gifts. Most floral decorations are symbolic of luck, prosperity, tranquillity and even health. Therefore, the giving of flowers during this time is considered a serious business requiring much thought and consideration.

These celebrations are marked with traditions whose roots date back centuries and traditions differ from region to region. One such tradition is the Annual Reunion Dinner which takes place on the eve of the New Year when families and relatives come together. At these family gatherings, a number of traditional delicacies made from pork, chicken and fish are made and enjoyed by all those present and the night ends with the lighting of crackers. Before the end of the evening, a family portrait is taken as well. Another common practice is the cleaning of houses, gifting of presents and decorating homes to symbolize fortune and happiness.

Another practice is the giving of money in red envelopes, which symbolize wealth, by parents to their children as the New Year dawns and the money is always given in even numbers. Another sight that is commonly seen on the streets during this time are the dragon dances for it is believed that the beating of drums and cymbals in combination with the image of the dragon scares away evil spirits.

For one who wishes to visit Thailand during this time, it is best to ensure the availability of a Bangkok resort for the influx of travellers during the holiday season is high. Choosing to reside in a hotel like the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa provides you with the option of seeing the sights, witnessing the celebrations of the new year and returning to the luxury of one of the best 5 star hotels in Bangkok and pampering themselves at their renowned spa.

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