January 29, 2006 (year 4703 by Chinese calendar), is the beginning of the Chinese New Year and is considered to be the Year of the Dog. People born in this year are said to have an honest and courageous nature, and are ready to fight for a worthy cause or to defend friends in trouble.
The Chinese calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, or the lunar calendar, and is considered highly accurate. The calendar is counted on a 12-year cycle scheme with each year represented by one of 12 animals (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig).
The actual date is determined by the second New Moon after the winter solstice, which is why the date changes each year. Thus it is called the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days starting with the New Moon of the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon with a Lantern Festival, which consists of singing, dancing and lantern shows.
