19 enchanting photos of Chinese New Year festivities from around the world

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A woman prays under lanterns ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations at a temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Reuters/Olivia Harris

Monday kicks off Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival.

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Cities around the world are celebrating with spectacular dragon floats, floating paper lanterns, and blazing fireworks.

Take a look at the festivities happening in Hong Kong, London, and beyond.

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Monday is the first day in China's traditional lunar calendar and is the country's biggest holiday.

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A vendor adjusts a pair of couplets at a booth in Baokang, central China's Hubei province. Reuters

People around the world gather with their families for massive feasts ...

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A dinner organized by a local community to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Wuhan, Hubei province. Reuters
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... and enchanting parades.

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Lion and dragon dancers perform as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Bangkok's shopping district. Reuters

Hundreds of thousands of people flock to Hong Kong and China to gather with extended families. Schools and offices close during the holiday, which can extend through early March.

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2016 celebrations in Hong Kong. Getty Images

Source: Time

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They set off fireworks ...

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People burn incense at a temple in Hefei, Anhui Province of China. Getty Images

... decorate everything in red ...

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A worker makes lanterns at a factory ahead of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year in Henan, China. Reuters
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... dress in extravagant costumes ...

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2016 celebrations in Hong Kong. Getty Images

... and hang impressive displays of neon lights.

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A tunnel of lights and lanterns in London, England. Getty Images
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Celebrations typically feature a dragon dance, a tradition that comes from a Chinese folk legend about a monster plaguing a town.

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2016 celebrations in Hong Kong. Reuters

Source: Vox

In the myth, a group of villagers battled the monster by making loud noises and hanging red decorations. The only way to keep it away is to do the same every year.

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2016 celebrations in Hong Kong. Getty Images

Source: Vox

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The Chinese lunar calendar dates back to around 3000 BC, and was used by farmers to plant at the most opportune times.

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A shop decorated for Chinese New Year in Hong Kong. Getty Images

Source: Vox

The lunar New Year (or the new moon closest to the beginning of spring) was the best day for farmers to take a break.

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Chinese New Year performers celebrate in Hong Kong. Getty Images

Source: Vox

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The Chinese calendar assigns an animal to each new year, according to zodiac signs.

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A Lion and a Monkey dance on the steps of Trafalgar Square in London, England. Getty Images

2016 is the Year of the Monkey. People with this sign are characterized as witty, curious, playful, and innovative. If that's your sign, it'll be a 'challenge year' — so be prepared to go hard.

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New Year parade performers in Glasgow, Scotland. Getty Images
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The color red represents good fortune. Red lanterns and paper cut outs adorn shops and homes.

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A shop in Hong Kong. Getty Images

Another tradition is giving red envelopes, or 'hungbao.' Married people fill them with cash and give them to children, and unmarried relatives, friends, and co-workers.

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A red envelope is given out during Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Liverpool, northern England. Reuters.
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Cities all over the world — from New York City to Australia — throw their own festivities.

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Chinese New Year celebrations in New York City. Getty Images

Celebrations continue until the Lantern Festival 15 days later.

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Chinese New Year celebrations in Hong Kong. Getty Images
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It's a beautiful welcome to the new year.

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A fantasy lights festival held by a business in Haikou, Hainan Province of China. Getty Images
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