The Chinese Zodiac New Year will begin on Monday February 8 with the Year of the Monkey.

Just 39 days after London celebrated the western New Year, it's time to light your firecrackers and head to Soho's Chinatown for a second New Year party!

Don't forget the key phrase: In Cantonese, it's Kung Hei Fat Choi and in Mandarin it's Gong Xi Fa Cai (pronounced Gong See Far Tsi), both meaning "Happy New Year".

Why does the date of the Chinese New Year vary?

The Chinese New Year is tied in with lunar cycles and it can be anytime from late-January to mid-February.

The New Year festivities start on the first day of the lunar month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest.

The first week is celebrated with visits to friends and family following various traditions designed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.

The second week, by which time most people have returned to work, ends with a lantern festival on the evening of the 15th day of the lunar month, and can also be a time when single men and women look for a partner.

On Monday February 8, the Chinese Zodiac New Year will herald the Year of the Monkey.

Were you born during The Year of the Monkey?

Those who were will generally have birthdays in 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932 and 1920, assuming they weren't born early enough in the year to fall under the previous sign, the Year of the Ram.

The next generation to have this sign of quick wit, mischievousness and creativity will be born in 2028.

Where is the Year of the Monkey in the Chinese Zodiac?

It is the ninth sign of the Chinese Zodiac which completes its own cycle every 12 years.

The signs in order are: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

Is there only one type of Monkey year?

No, there are five different ones.

2016 is the first return of the "fire monkey" since 1956.

Other monkey types include wood (1944, 2004); earth (1908, 1968); gold (1920, 1980) and water (1932, 1992)... but not, it would seem, cheeky.

What does this year say about luck?

Generally speaking, your luck could be at its worst if this is the point in the 12-year cycle when your birth sign comes back round again.

The best month for finances will be the second and twelfth months.

What are the other vital signs?

Numbers: Lucky 4 and 9; unlucky 2 and 7

Colours: Lucky blue, gold and white; unlucky pink and red

Months: Lucky Chinese lunar months eight and 12; unlucky Chinese lunar months seven and 11.

Love: Lucky from August 3-31, October 31-November 28 and December 30 to January 27, 2017; comparatively unlucky from June 6 to July 3 and from September 1-30.

Ideal partner: Ox or rabbit; least ideal partner, tiger or pig.

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