When the monster appeared as expected, on the first day of the lunar year, the villagers began making a big commotion, 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 February 9 this year, the tradition will be revived as the Year of the Rooster 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 who have left their hometowns return to share a large meal with their families. If they cannot make it, their place is still set at the table to symbolize their presence in spirit. 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). Fried bean curd (tofu) is not eaten because of its white colour and 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 oranges and tangerines, as they symbolise abundant happiness. Tangerines with leaves intact assure that relationships remain secure. People are very careful not to argue or be mean to anyone, 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.

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. This year it is the Rooster's year and those born in rooster years tend to be practical, resourceful and enjoy entertaining.

Most cities around the world will celebrate the Year of the Rooster. Whether you are in Budapest, Buenos Aires or Berlin, you will find somewhere to partake in this fascinating tradition. However, the best parties are in the Asian cities. If you are in China at this time, you will find the most traditional, low-key events. Beijing and Shanghai hold special festivals and temple fairs, although Beijing has banned fireworks because of the pollution.

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. Head to the harbour, watch the spectacle from a harbour-view hotel room, or take a harbour cruise.

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 spin the Wheel of Fortune at the Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin to blow away bad luck or 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 on 8 February or view the magnificent Chinatown Light-Up on February 15. An event you should not miss is the world-famous Chingay Parade. Hailed as Asia's grandest street procession, it is a showcase of glittering giant floats, sequined costumes, martial art displays and high-energy dance performances.

In Bangkok, festivities on 9-10 February will be centred around the Chinatown area, which runs from the huge ceremonial Chinese gate at Odeon Circle along Yaowarat Road. 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.