Last year, the Lunar year was celebrated in January, while this year it is being observed in February.
Most Asian markets are closed Monday in observance of the Lunar Year Holiday, which leaves Chinese buyers absent from the markets.
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Near the beginning of the lunar year, silkworm farmers invite artisans into their homes to perform the story of the Goddess of the Silkworm, to ward off evil and ensure a bountiful harvest.
However, some analysts tempered the enthusiasm, saying trade data for China is unpredictable at the beginning of the year because of the Lunar New Year holiday when many factories shut down.
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The three car makers each logged more than 20% sales growth in the month from the same month a year ago, when the Lunar New Year holidays reduced the number of operating days.
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China's trade data are volatile in the early months of each year as companies shut down for several weeks during the Lunar New Year and then buy raw materials to resume production.
Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in Chinese culture, falls on 10 February this year.
On Lunar New Year and the autumn harvest holiday Chuseok, the entire country takes part in ancestor rites.
All in all, China's Lunar New Year is shaping up to be a Leaner New Year.
Firecrackers can be heard on the island at all hours during the 15-day Lunar New Year period.
Markets in Hong Kong, Taipei and Shanghai, among others, remained closed for the Lunar New Year holidays.
Dealers attribute it to the advent of Lunar New Year in China and wedding season in India.
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Or did more workers than expected return to its production lines after the Lunar New Year break?
She added that the Lunar New Year also affected the import numbers as companies restock ahead of the celebrations.
Most Asian markets were closed for the Lunar New Year holiday, while Japan was shut for National Foundation Day.
Department stores and supermarkets reported that sales over the lunar new year holiday were 10-20% higher than in 2008.
The giving of gifts, often to gain favour with officials, is common during lunar new year, which begins next week.
Fireworks are traditionally set off in China to celebrate the Lunar New Year, which is just over a week away.
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The Lunar New Year is celebrated in many countries, most notably in China, and holiday times usually mean less physical demand.
The company has never produced Lunar New Year special editions before, but it has carried its Serpenti line since the 1960s.
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The vibrant community puts on its own Lunar New Year parade on 16 February starting at Union Street and 39th Avenue at 11 am.
Most Asian markets were closed Monday for the Lunar New Year celebration.
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In addition, Lunar New Year holidays in China are expected to make for relatively thin and cautious trading over the next few days.
Chinese markets will be closed all next week for the Lunar New Year holidays, while Hong Kong will be dark Monday through Wednesday.
However, some analysts said that the figures for January were distorted by the change in the timing of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
In 1990, the company began producing the preserved fruits and vegetables used to make the traditional Lunar New Year dish of Yu Sheng.
In addition, the Lunar New Year holiday, which essentially shut down the country for a week in January, was a temporary brake on demand.
The Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to faxed requests for comment on Tuesday, a public holiday in China marking the Lunar New Year.
The World Luxury Association, when it reported the Mainland spending plunge during the lunar new year period, stated that purchases by Chinese overseas rose 18%.
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