Lunar New Year (각국 설날 모습 사진): BBC

 

People around the world have been celebrating Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, and welcoming in the Year of the Rat.

 

Many chose to start the celebrations with a visit to a Buddhist temple, like these people in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.

 

Despite the cold weather, thousands of people gathered at temples in Beijing to mark the most important annual festival in much of East Asia.

 

In Indonesia, where the celebration was banned for years by recently deceased leader Suharto, ethnic Chinese people burned incense and offered prayers.

 

Every year millions of people travel home to be with their families for the holiday. In parts of China, families make dumplings to symbolise luck and reunion.

 

But not everyone can be with their loved ones, like this man in South Korea who offered prayers for his parents across the border in the North.

 

New Year fairs spring up in Chinese cities, selling toys, gifts and red decorations said to bring good luck

 

Firecrackers, traditionally believed to scare away evil spirits, are set off in cities, towns and villages across the region.

 

Workers at the Philippine Stock Exchange were treated to a traditional Chinese dragon dance. The Year of the Rat is said to be a good year for business and commerce.

Celebrations will continue over the weekend. Thousands of people are expected to watch parades and performances in London's Chinatown. Send your photos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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