The Chinese zodiac is based on animals.This year is the year of the ox, an animal that symbolizes the quiet, hard work, determination and tenacity.Millions Chinese celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year.
The loud noise of fireworks scared young children but for Chinese, the sound is to frighten evil spirits and to help the new year to be good.
In the chinese zodiac each animal is associated with one element metal, wood, earth, fire or water . 2009 is the year of the ground beef, but beef is the fixed water, the mixture of two elements, earth and water, is considered by some as a destructive combination.