Origins of Chinese/ Lunar New Year

The Chinese New Year dates from 3,500 years ago. Originally it involved sacrifices to the gods.
The legend goes that there was a mythical beast (Nian) that threatened people, livestock and crops around New Year. He could be driven off by very loud noises and the colour red. The festival features drums, cymbals, later firecrackers. It also features red lanterns and decorations. Adults give children coins in a red envelope to chase off the monster Sui. People put up red couplets around their doors and windows to mimic peach wood that deters ghosts. The Chinese calendar dates from 1,000 BC in the Zhou dynasty and the date for New Year dates from the Han dynasty around 200 BC. The festival grew over the centuries with customs added like the dragon and lion dance, firecrackers, visiting relatives and eating dumplings.
The New Year is also marked in the Chinese Zodiac. Unlike our zodiac the Chinese zodiac adds a new symbol for each of 12 years. Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. The animal can represent good fortune or otherwise for the whole year. For those born in a year represented by a particular animal, they are thought to portray the mythical characteristics of that animal.
This system is used throughout East Asia.