The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is an important cultural celebration in China. As part of the festivities, people wear red, light fireworks to scare away the mythical monster Nien, and honor the dragon as a symbol of good fortune. Other traditions include the Lantern Festival, giving red envelopes with money, and the story of Buddha inviting animals to a celebration which determined their place in the 12-year zodiac cycle. Food, songs, and horoscopes are also part of ringing in the New Year.