Chinese New Year lights up park

Eight-year-old Kelly Sun of Remuera beneath lanterns in Albert Park at the start last night of Chinese New Year festivities. Picture / Paul Estcourt

Avoid housework, sharp objects and don't wash your hair this weekend - according to Chinese superstition such activities risk cutting the threads of good fortune or washing away good luck at the beginning of the new year.

The Year of the Rooster was welcomed last night at Albert Park with the launch of a three-day celebration of Chinese New Year.

This weekend marks the sixth Asia New Zealand Foundation-led Lantern Festival, and more than 130,000 people are expected to flock to the Auckland park to join the party.

Tradition demands they must not use negative language, have an argument or break anything.

Prime Minister Helen Clark opened the festivities last night.

Weekend events include Peking Opera Stilt Walkers from China, a traditional pinwheel-maker from Beijing, paper cutters from Guangzhou, and dance, music, and martial arts performances.

But the highlight for many are the hundreds of illuminated lanterns imported from Singapore and China.

The festival has been part of Chinese New Year since the Han Dynasty more than 2000 years ago.

It traditionally falls on the 15th day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, when ancient belief held that celestial spirits could be seen in the light of the moon. The lanterns were lit to help search for the spirits.

The event runs from 4pm today and tomorrow.

Christchurch is for the first time also having a festival, in Victoria Square next weekend.

Year of the Rooster

You have independence, confidence and flair, pay a lot of attention to detail and leave no stone unturned in your quest for your dreams. No aim is too high and giving up is not an option.

But you are often a bit eccentric and have difficult relationships. You can be selfish and outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave and loyal.