February 1 marks the first day of a two-week festive celebration observed by many Asian countries, signifying the transition from the old to the new year, from the barren winter to bountiful spring. The Lunar New Year festival is traditionally one of the largest migration events in the world, with many travelling to celebrate with family and friends.

There are many stories behind the origin of the celebration, one of the most common is that the festivities began to scare off a mythical beast and bad luck. The beast was said to be frightened of loud noises and the colour red, and so people would celebrate with fireworks and red paper to frighten the mythical creature and bad luck away.

Tied to the new year celebrations, is the Chinese Zodiac. Each year celebrates one of the twelve animals of the Zodiac. It was said that the Jade Emperor invited a select group of animals to attend a great feast, and the order of their arrival to the feast is now the order in which they are celebrated on a continuous cycle. According to the Chinese Zodiac, this year will be the year of the Tiger, a year associated with vitality and strength.

Whether you observe the Lunar New Year or not, we at Elevate wish you and your family all the very best for the coming year.