Today on Wandering Zen we welcome in the year 4717 which begins on February 5th, 2019 and marks the first day of the new year on the Chinese calendar. Celebrated during the second new moon after the winter solstice, lunar calendars consist of 12 months, each month corresponding roughly to one cycle of the moon. They have been used by several peoples throughout history, including many Asian cultures as well as Muslims and Jews. A number of different Lunar New Year festivals are held throughout the world. Let’s prepare for the upcoming celebration with Lunar New Year 101 ~ Facts and Traditions