For the first day of the Chinese New Year, we’re showing the southern fortification of the Xi"an City Wall as it was decorated and lit up for last year"s lunar new year party. The south gate was rebuilt in 2014 and is often used to stage the fireworks show that rings in the Chinese New Year, which falls between late January and early February. Why a different new year celebration date? It comes down to the sun versus the moon: While the widely used Gregorian calendar is based on the Earth"s rotation around the sun, the lunar calendar is marked by the phases of the moon. So, the Gregorian new year always falls on January 1, while the lunar new year date moves around from year to year. Either way, we"re excited to have another excuse to throw a party.
Happy New Year! (Again!)
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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A predator at risk
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Let the games (finally) begin!
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Stepping stones in Tollymore Forest Park, Northern Ireland
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What s better than a smile?
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Arctic fox in Norway
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World Art Day
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Tortula moss, Netherlands
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Racers pushing past sunflowers in the 2018 Tour de France
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Look to the north sky tonight for the Perseids
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Everybody loves World Turtle Day
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Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting
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Siblings that play together…
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Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland
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Social climbing
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Aýna, Albacete, Spain
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Let s face it: It s World Emoji Day
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Behold the mighty Aldeyjarfoss
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Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act marks 42 years
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World Rainforest Day
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Who s wearing such cute hats?
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Grandparents Day
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Poppies in bloom
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Infrared Jupiter, erupting Io
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‘You should see the one that got away!’
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Zion National Park Turns 100
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Zion National Park turns 103
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Celebrating freedom
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Reflections on Memorial Day
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In search of roadside attractions on ‘America’s Highway’
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Ministry of Fun Santa School