The previous lunar year has been running since 12 February 2021 and draws to a close on Monday 31 January 2022.

Timings differ from when we mark the new year here in the UK because China traditionally follows the lunar calendar, whereas we follow a solar one.

Solar calendars are based on the earth’s passage around the sun and are in common and legal usage around the world.

The lunar calendar bases its timings off the different phases of the moon.

It means months tend to be either 29 or 30 days in length, while years are between 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar calendar.

While this calendar might seem a foreign concept, most cultures around the world have used lunar calendars at some point in their history.

Even the Gregorian calendar, which was introduced in Europe almost 450 years ago, has its origins in the lunar cycle.

This system is believed to have been installed during a period in which animal worship was practiced in China.

It’s been going for 2,000 years and remains central to Chinese culture, with people using it to determine their fortune for the year and even who they should marry.

Each day during this period involves different activities and sees different food and drink items consumed.

For example, on the first day of Chinese New Year, firecrackers are set off and people look at their fortunes for the year ahead.

Typical food items include spring rolls, dumplings, noodles, steamed fish or chicken and rice cakes.

Chinese New Year is also marked all over the world.