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In other parts of Asia, the new year is not always marked on January 1st.
The Chinese celebrate the new year based on the Lunar calendar which usually coincides with the beginning of Spring.
Each year is symbolised by one of 12 animals and one of five elements, with the combinations of animals and elements (or stems) cycling every 60 years.
It is the most important Chinese holiday of the year.
Also celebrating the new year at this time are the Vietnamese who call the celebration Tet.
In the other parts of IndoChina, the new year is marked in April.
The Thais, Cambodians and Lao celebrate by throwing water on each other and even passers-by.
Also celebrating the new year in April are the Sinhalese.
The new year is marked when the sun moves from the astrological House of Pisces into the House of Aries.
When the new year begins is determined by astrologers, rather than the stroke of midnight.
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