ABC40

COLLEGE STATION -- An afternoon full of festivities marked the celebration of the first day of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, at the A&M campus Thursday.

From Tai Chi demonstrations to lion and dragon dances, people gathered to learn about the most important celebration of the Chinese calendar.

This year is the year of the rat. Each year there is a head animal zodiac that's out of 12 animals.  The Chinese New Year traditions include exchanging gifts and red envelopes symbolizing good fortune.

The Chinese New Year is traditionally celebrated from the first day of the lunar month until the 15th. It's now celebrated anywhere from 3 to 7days.