First, why do you call it "Chinese New Year"? From an historical perspective, that calendar is believed (at least pursuant to all known evidence) that it was developed in Korea. Perhaps, the area that was later to be known as Shilla, during the Three Kingdoms Period .. but the calendar was developed before there was a Shilla.

The lunar New Year, in both Korea and China is the same, with the exception of once every (and this is approximate) every twenty-four years, wherein it differs by one day.

You need the house clean ... clean ... and clean again ... as no one wants to start out a new year with any dirt in their house.

The fifteen day celebration is somewhat of a newer gig .. Originally the New Year's celebration was a three day brouhaha.

So, remember, it's not the "Chinese New Year", it's the "Lunar New Year" or "East Asian Lunar New Year".

It's only the "Chinese New Year to the uneducated and unwashed.

And, not to rain on your parade, Today (Saturday) IS the New Year. New Year's Eve was yesterday (Friday).

So, time to catch up on your drinkin' .. You're a day behind.

Saehae bok mani badeuseyo .... Xin nian kuai le.