The Year of the Ox is almost here. On January 26, 2009, Chinese communities around the globe will celebrate their New Year with huge fanfare and family parties. Red envelopes will be exchanged, there will be dragon dances, fireworks will explode and families will perform a host of traditional rituals in the hope of a prosperous year to come. Outside of the Chinese community, few people know the legend on which many of the traditions are based. Here it is.

The legend tells of a village in China thousands of years ago that was ravaged by an evil monster. On the eve of the New Year, the creature would come down from the mountains to hunt people. This made it a very unpleasant time for all. The terrified villagers would lock themselves in their homes before sunset and hide until dawn.

Finally, an old man realised that the panic in the village allowed the monster to be so bold and vicious. If he could get the peoplel to calm down, they could defeat the monster. He devised a battle plan. Believing the colour red protected against evil, he told all the villagers to hang red banners around their homes as the big day approached.

When the monster appeared as expected, on the first day of the lunar year, the villagers began beating drums with sticks, burning bamboo and setting off fireworks. The beast turned and fled, setting off a celebration that lasted several days. People visited each other, exchanged gifts, danced and feasted on their finest foods.

Since then, Chinese communities across the globe have celebrated this victory over evil and welcomed the New Year by beating drums and gongs and lighting fireworks. On 26th January 2009, the tradition will be revived as the Year of the Ox dawns. For most Chinese, it is a family affair. New Year's Eve is spent with family members, saying farewell to the past year and thanking one's ancestors and the gods for their blessing and protection.

However, there are rituals and traditions that give the occasion a special significance. Children usually return to their homes to celebrate with their families. It is usual to wear something red, in order to ward off the evil spirits. Black and white clothing is avoided, as these colours are associated with mourning.

Even the food served at the meal is highly symbolic. Dinner is usually a feast of seafood and dumplings, each item signifying different good wishes. Typically, red meat is not served and everyone is careful not to serve or eat from a chipped or cracked plate, as this brings very bad luck.

Lucky foods include red dates (prosperity), melon seeds (proliferation), coconut (togetherness), peanuts (long life) and lotus seeds (many children). The families have a good time deciding what food will grace their tables. One thing that is never eaten at this time is fried bean curd (tofu) because of its white colour. Noodles should be uncut, as they represent long life. Nian gao, a special New Year's cake, is always served and it is believed that the higher the cake rises the better the year will be.

On New Year's Day, an ancient custom called Hongbao takes place, when red packets of money are given to all children and unmarried adults as symbols of good luck. The amount is usually an even number as odd numbers are regarded as unlucky. After handing out the envelopes, families go from door to door exchanging greetings, first to their relatives and then their neighbours.

Etiquette dictates that you must take along a bag of tangerines, as they symbolise abundant happiness. Tangerines with leaves intact assure that relationships remain secure. People don't argue or criticise, as this would bring a bad, unlucky year. Like the Western saying "let bygones be bygones," at Chinese New Year, grudges are very easily cast aside.

The date of the Chinese New Year is different every year, according to the lunar calendar, but the festivities always last 15 days. Each day has its own significance. On the fifth day, people stay at home and refrain from visiting family and friends, as this will bring both parties bad luck. The end of the New Year is marked by the Festival of Lanterns, which is a celebration with singing, dancing and lantern shows. This is often held in parks and public spaces.

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Not everyone wants to be a snake or a pig or a rabbitt, but you cannot choose your sign.

This year it is the Ox's year and those born in ox years are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They tend, however, to be eccentric, and bigoted, and they anger easily. You have been warned! Most cities around the world will celebrate the Year of the Ox. However, the best parties are in the Asian cities.

The most spectacular festivals are held in Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. In Hong Kong, the day is marked by a spectacular evening parade of performers and illuminated floats. Another highlight is the firework display against the incredible backdrop of the harbour and city lights. More than 500,000 people watch the show live and millions more watch it on TV.

During the day thousands of people flock to temples. Join the crowds at Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin temple and let the soothsayers in the adjacent arcade predict your future. You can take part in a unique local tradition in Lam Tsuen - the Wishing Trees. Write a wish on colourful paper, tie it to an orange and throw it in the tree. If it catches in the branches, your wish will come true.

In Singapore you can join the Countdown Party or view the magnificent Chinatown Light-Up. You should not miss is the world-famous Chingay Parade, which takes place on January 30-31. Hailed as Asia's grandest street procession, it is a showcase of giant floats, sequined costumes and high-energy dance performances.

In Bangkok, festivities on 24-26 January will be centred around the Chinatown area, which runs from the huge ceremonial Chinese gate at Odeon Circle along Yaowarat Road. The festivities are officially opened by a top official or a member of the Royal family. You will get to see traditional Chinese theatre and street processions, but the main attraction is the excellent food on sale at hundreds of shops and stalls along the road. When you have had your fill, find time to shop in one of the quaint stores that line the alleys.

Wherever you are, you are bound to run into a group of lion dancers in their colourful outfits. The frenetic movements of the dancers supposedly ward off demons and bring good luck and prosperity, so remember to make a small donation when they pass you by. After all, everyone can do with year filled with happiness.