Year of the Snake: A look at celebrations kicking off the Chinese Lunar New Year

Members of the Chinese community perform a lion dance as they celebrate the Chinese New Year in Kolkata on February 10, 2013. Chinese communities worldwide are welcoming the ‘Year of the Snake’. (Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images)

Performers take part in a dragon dance in the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake in China town in Manila on February 9, 2013. The Dragon Dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year to bring in good luck and prosperity as billions of Chinese world wide celebrate Lunar New Year of the Snake. (Jay Directo/AFP/Getty Images)

Chinese elders apply eyelids to a newly made lotus dragon during a blessing on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake in the streets of China town in Manila on February 9, 2013. The Dragon Dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year to bring in good luck and prosperity as billions of Chinese world wide celebrate Lunar New Year of the Snake. (Jay Directo/AFP/Getty Images)

Performers take part in a dragon dance on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake, in China town in Manila on February 9, 2013. The Dragon Dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year to bring in good luck and prosperity as billions of Chinese world wide celebrate Lunar New Year of the Snake on February 10. (Jay Directo/AFP/Getty Images)

Performers perform a lion dance on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake, in China town in Manila on February 9, 2013. The Dragon Dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year to bring in good luck and prosperity as billions of Chinese world wide celebrate Lunar New Year of the Snake on February 10. (Jay Directo/AFP/Getty Images)

Performers take part in a dragon dance on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake, in China town in Manila on February 9, 2013. The Dragon Dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year to bring in good luck and prosperity as billions of Chinese world wide celebrate Lunar New Year of the Snake on February 10. (Jay Directo/AFP/Getty Images)

Performers perform a lion dance (front) and a dragon dance on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake, in China town in Manila on February 9, 2013. The Dragon Dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year to bring in good luck and prosperity as billions of Chinese world wide celebrate Lunar New Year of the Snake on February 10. (Jay Directo/AFP/Getty Images)

Performers perform a lion dance (L) and a dragon dance on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake, in China town in Manila on February 9, 2013. The Dragon Dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year to bring in good luck and prosperity as billions of Chinese world wide celebrate Lunar New Year of the Snake on February 10. (Jay Directo/AFP/Getty Images)

Members of the Chinese American community, tourists and other New Yorkers celebrate the the first day of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, in New York’s Chinatown on February 10, 2013 in New York City. Celebrations are being held in Chinese communities around the world. The lighting of firecrackers are believed to ward off evil spirits and to bring the god of wealth into people’s lives once New Year’s Day arrives. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

A woman wears a traditional Chinese dress as members of the Chinese American community, tourists and other New Yorkers celebrate the first day of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, in New York’s Chinatown on February 10, 2013 in New York City. Celebrations are being held in Chinese communities around the world. The lighting of firecrackers are believed to ward off evil spirits and to bring the god of wealth into people’s lives once New Year’s Day arrives. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Members of the Chinese American community, tourists and other New Yorkers celebrate the the first day of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, in New York’s Chinatown on February 10, 2013 in New York City. Celebrations are being held in Chinese communities around the world. The lighting of firecrackers are believed to ward off evil spirits and to bring the god of wealth into people’s lives once New Year’s Day arrives. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Chinese folk artists perform a play on ice during the Spring Festival Temple Fair on February 10, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with the Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Traditional Lion Dancers lead the New Year paraded on February 10, 2013 in London, England. London’s Chinese community celebrate the start of the Year of The Snake with traditional dancing, music and fireworks. (Bethany Clarke/Getty Images)

Traditional Chinese dancers in the New Year paraded on February 10, 2013 in London, England. London’s Chinese community celebrate the start of the Year of The Snake with traditional dancing, music and fireworks. (Bethany Clarke/Getty Images)

Chinese paramilitary police officers dressed as Qing Dynasty servants march before a re-enactment of an ancient ceremony of Qing Dynasty emperors praying for good harvest and fortune during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at the Temple of Earth park on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. (Feng Li/Getty Images)

Chinese folk artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at Dragon Lake Park on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China.The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Chinese folk artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at Dragon Lake Park on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Chinese folk artists prepare to perform during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at Dragon Lake Park on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Chinese folk artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at Dragon Lake Park on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China.The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Vendors show the toy of snake at the Spring Festival Temple Fair for celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake at the Temple of Earth park on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. (Feng Li/Getty Images)

Visitors stroll near the trees decorated with red lanterns ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at the Temple of Earth park on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. (Feng Li/Getty Images)

A performer (C) plays the role of the emperor during a re-enactment of an ancient ceremony of Qing Dynasty emperors praying for good harvest and fortune during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at the Temple of Earth park on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. (Feng Li/Getty Images)

Chinese folk artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at the Temple of Earth park on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. (Feng Li/Getty Images)

Vendors sell balloons in front of Lungshan temple during Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Taipei February 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Pichi Chuang/Reuters)

Worshippers pray behind candles during Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations at the Lungshan temple in Taipei February 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Pichi Chuang/Reuters)

Worshippers holding incense sticks pray during Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations at the Lungshan temple in Taipei February 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Pichi Chuang/Reuters)

Ballet dancers take part in a Chinese New Year evening parade at Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district February 10, 2013. Participants from 14 countries and regions join the parade on Sunday to celebrate the first day of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese Zodiac. (Bobby Yip/Reuters)

A lion dance troupe performs in front of children during a Chinese New Year evening parade at Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district February 10, 2013. Participants from 14 countries and regions took part in the parade on Sunday to celebrate the first day of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese Zodiac. (Bobby Yip/Reuters)

Spectators watch as dancers perform during a Chinese New Year evening parade at Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district February 10, 2013. Performers from 14 countries and regions took part in the parade on Sunday to celebrate the first day of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese Zodiac. (Bobby Yip/Reuters)

Performers dressed as the Wealth of God greet spectators during a Chinese New Year evening parade at Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district February 10, 2013. Performers from 14 countries and regions took part in the parade on Sunday to celebrate the first day of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese Zodiac. (Bobby Yip/Reuters)

A spectator reacts as she watches a Chinese New Year evening parade at Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district February 10, 2013. Performers from 14 countries and regions took part in the parade on Sunday to celebrate the first day of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese Zodiac. (Bobby Yip/Reuters)

Dancers perform to “Gangnam Style” during the temple fair in Ditan Park, also known as the Temple of Earth, in Beijing February 9, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters)

Folk artists perform on stilts at Longtan Park in Beijing February 9, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters)

A girl performs an acrobatic show during the temple fair in Ditan Park, also known as the Temple of Earth, in Beijing February 9, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters)

People dance with dragon lanterns on the first day of the Lunar New Year in Wuhu, Anhui province, February 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Reuters)

Chinese artists perform the lion dance during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at Ditan Park (the Temple of Earth), in Beijing, February 9, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Jason Lee/Reuters)

A mother holding her child poses for a photo next to a snake sculpture at a temple fair to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year at Ditan Park (the Temple of Earth), in Beijing, February 9, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Jason Lee/Reuters)

Chinese artists perform the lion dance during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at Ditan Park (the Temple of Earth), in Beijing, February 9, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Jason Lee/Reuters)

Men light up fireworks as residents celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year in Shanghai February 9, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

A man lights up fireworks as residents celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year in Shanghai February 9, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

A man watches as fireworks light up the skyline of Shanghai in celebration of Chinese New Year in Shanghai early February 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

People watch as fireworks light up the skyline of Shanghai in celebrations of Chinese New Year, in Shanghai February 9, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

A woman looks at her mobile phone as fireworks light up the skyline of Shanghai in celebrations of Chinese New Year early February 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

A man watches as fireworks light up the skyline of Shanghai in celebration of Chinese New Year in Shanghai early February 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

Worshippers burn incense to pray for good fortune on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year at Dafo temple in Chongqing municipality February 10, 2013. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begins on February 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac. (Reuters)

Fireworks illuminate the skyline to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake and cause severe air pollution on February 9, 2013 in Beijing, China. The Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake also known as the Spring Festival, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year and ends with Lantern Festival on the Fifteenth day. (Feng Li/Getty Images)

Performers hold a dragon during a parade as they celebrate Chinese New Year on February 10, 2013 in Paris. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the ‘Year of the Snake’. (Medhi Fedouach/AFP/Getty Images)

Performers dance in front of Paris City Hall to celebrate Chinese New Year on February 10, 2013, before parading in Paris’ streets. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the ‘Year of the Snake’. (Medhi Fedouach/AFP/Getty Images)

Performers surrounded by the crowd hold a dragon as they dance during a parade in Paris on February 10, 2013, to celebrate Chinese New Year. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the ‘Year of the Snake’. (Medhi Fedouach/AFP/Getty Images)

A lion dances in front of cabbage hanging in a shop doorway, a sign of prosperity for the coming new year on February 10, 2013 in London, England. London’s Chinese community celebrate the start of the Year of The Snake with traditional dancing, music and fireworks. (Bethany Clarke/Getty Images)

A Crowds watch the New Year parade on February 10, 2013 in London, England. London’s Chinese community celebrate the start of the Year of The Snake with traditional dancing, music and fireworks. (Bethany Clarke/Getty Images)

A crowd of people shelter from the rain under umbrellas as they stand and watch performers in Trafalgar Square celebrating Chinese New Year in central London on February 10, 2013. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the ‘Year of the Snake’. (Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images)

A British police officer peers through lanterns as performers in Trafalgar Square celebrate Chinese New Year in London on February 10, 2013. Chinese communities world wide traditionally welcomed in the ‘Year of the Snake’. (Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images)

Participants take part in the Chinese lunar new year parade in the streets of Hong Kong on February 10, 2013. Chinese lunar new year, celebrated by Chinese communities the world over, falls on February 10 with the beginning of the new moon. (Antony Dickson/AFP/Getty Images)

Participants take part in a dragon dance for the Chinese lunar new year parade through the streets of Hong Kong on February 10, 2013. Chinese lunar new year, celebrated by Chinese communities the world over, falls on February 10 with the beginning of the new moon. (Antony Dickson/AFP/Getty Images)

Thai-Chinese dancers perform a lion dance as they celebrate the Chinese New Year in Bangkok’s China town on February 10, 2013. Chinese communities worldwide are welcoming the ‘ Year of the Snake ‘. (Pornchai Kittiwongsakul/AFP/Getty Images)

A Thai-Chinese man dressed as a God of Fortune, parades to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Bangkok’s China town on February 10, 2013. Chinese communities worldwide are welcoming the ‘ Year of the Snake ‘. (Pornchai Kittiwongsakul/AFP/Getty Images)

Thai-Chinese residents celebrate the Chinese New Year in Bangkok’s China town on February 10, 2013. Chinese communities worldwide are welcoming the ‘ Year of the Snake ‘. (Pornchai Kittiwongsakul/AFP/Getty Images)

Members of the Chinese community perform a dragon (L) and lion dance as they celebrate the Chinese New Year in Kolkata on February 10, 2013. Chinese communities worldwide are welcoming the ‘Year of the Snake’. (Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images)

Young members of the Chinese community perform a lion dance as they celebrate the Chinese New Year in Kolkata on February 10, 2013. Chinese communities worldwide are welcoming the ‘Year of the Snake’. (Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images)

Year of the Snake: A look at celebrations kicking off the Chinese Lunar New Year

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