One of the most popular Chinese New Year's traditions among children is the giving of "hongbao" or "Red (hong) Pocket (bao)" money. In the olden days, children received strings of coins from adults as presents to "weigh down their age." The heavy coins were supposed to keep children youthful and happy and prevent them from growing up and aging too fast.
In more recent times, money is given to children in red envelopes, since red is the Chinese color of prosperity, festiveness, and happiness. Thus, the money is called "hongbao" or red pocket money. Children receive hongbao from parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, friends' parents, and other friendly adults.
But only good children who have been respectful to their elders receive hongbao. A child should never ask for hongbao, but bow to her or his elders and say "_______ how" (fill in the blank with the name, like Daddy, Grandma, Uncle Scott, or whomever else). "How" means "good", so youˇ¦re saying, for example, "Grandma, goodness be with you." If you show respect, then you will be showered with hongbao.
Chinese New Year, which lasts for two weeks, changes every year, like Easter. This year (2008), it starts on February 7. People eat lots of fish and dumplings, clean their houses, and set off firecrackers. Some people also like to dance and sing, such as these people below (click on the play button):
