One well-known ancient legend speaks of Nian, a hideous monster that feasted on human flesh on New Year’s Day. Because the beast feared the color red, loud noises and fire, people put up red paper dragons on their doors, burned red lanterns all night and set off firecrackers to frighten and chase away the monster.

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, begins on a Wednesday and marks the Year of the Wood Snake. Celebrations include cleaning home

Lunar New Year represents a fresh start for many who celebrate. Here's where you can join in the fun around Australia.

Each year, a 150-foot-long dragon, PoChiMu, promenades from the Portland Chinatown Museum across Downtown. Drummers, dancers, and spectators in tow, it wends south through the Chinatown Gate and down Third Avenue until landing, a mile and a right turn later, at the Oregon Historical Society.

Many people around the world are welcoming the new year with the start of the Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian communities.

Many Chinese who work in bigger cities return home during the eight-day national holiday in what is described as the world's biggest annual movement of humanity.

Join the Austin community in celebrating the Year of the Snake with cultural performances, festive markets and special dining experiences.