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In the Chinese lunar calendar, today is exactly the start of Year 4076, the Year of the Rat. It's the time of the year when Chinese families (and those who follow the lunar calendar) reunite with their families and celebrate the new year with a bang (yup, with loads of fireworks).

Here are 5 Red Facts about the Chinese New Year

1. People welcome the year by wearing read clothing.

2. Poems are written in red paper.

3. Children are given "lucky money" in hong bao or ampao (red envelope).

4. Red symbolizes FIRE.

5. Crackling flames (ancient Chinese used to light bamboo stalks) freighten evil spirits, hence, drive away bad luck.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

trivia taken from Infoplease