The Year of the Rabbit begins on February 3 and is marked by a week-long holiday and celebrations across China, Hong Kong and other Chinese dominated regions. Wear red, eat seaweed, share your candy, and you'll have a terrific year ahead!

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit. It begins on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012.


A dragon dance in progress during New Year celebrations. Pic/AFP

It is popularly recognised as the Spring Festival and celebrations last for 15 days. Preparations begin a month from the date of the Chinese New Year, when people start buying presents, food, new clothes and decorations. If you're feeling left out, we suggest you check out this ready reckoner of what's cool and what's not in the Year of the Rabbit .

Paper capers and floral decor
Chinese families decorate their living rooms with flower vases, platters of oranges and tangerines, and a candy tray with eight varieties of dried sweet fruit. Happy wishes on red paper are hung on walls and doors. The Chinese believe that without flowers, there would be no fruits and so every home is adorned with floral decorations, which are emblems of reawakening of nature.