The holiday is based around the circle of 12 animals used to measure years, known as the shengxiao.

According to the Chinese New Year Network, the holiday lasts 16 days and consists of many different zodiac signs every year.

“The Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao, refers to the circle of 12 animals that measure the cycles of time,” the Chinese New Year Network said. “Signs or animals are determined by the lunar year in which you were born, and legend has it that a god beckoned all animals to bid him farewell before his departure from Earth.”

With excitement and enthusiasm many have for the Chinese New Year, there are also some do’s and don’ts that people have to follow. There are over 10 rules that must be followed to not gain any bad luck. The most important one is to not say negative words with any demeaning subject. Words like, death, sick, empty, pain, ghost, poor, break, kill and more. Another rule as stated by Britannica, is do not break ceramics or glass.

“Breaking things will break your connection to prosperity and fortune,” Britannica said. “If a plate or bowl is dropped, immediately wrap it with red paper while murmuring auspicious phrases.”

If an object is broken, the person must plead for forgiveness from the gods by saying, “Suì suì píng ān,” which asks for peace and security every year. With rules comes appropriate dressing that is consistently traditional. As explained by BBC, there actually aren’t any special requirements as to what kind of new clothing.

“In ancient China, people would follow the fashion trends of that time, and there’s nothing wrong with you doing the same as well,” BBC said. “But if you want to have more of a traditional flare, there are some styles you can choose from, like more traditional-wear still popular today from the Qing dynasty.”