Some Ways To Celebrate the Chinese New Year

To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, the White Crane Lion Dancers will be performing tonight at the Martinez Library, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, here are some apps that will help you usher in the Chinese New Year. 

Apple

• Happy Chinese New Year. This app provides a window of knowledge into Chinese New Year traditions and customs. It includes Chinese recipes and New Year greetings. The app is available in English and Chinese. Free.

• Chinese Zodiac. A Chinese astrology app that converts your western birthday into your Chinese lunar birth date. Learn your fortune for 2012. $2.99. There is also a free version.

• Chinese New Year Greeting Cards. Provides people with templates to customize pictures from their phone to send to family and friends. Free.

• Chinese New Year. Find information about the origins and ancient traditions of the Chinese New Year. Discover prophecies and the meaning of firecrackers. Free.

Android

• Chinese New Year Plan. A calendar to plan out your schedule with a Chinese New Year’s theme. Free.

• Chinese New Year - Puzzle Box. Create your own puzzle or solve existing ones. Free. 

• Chinese New Year Firecrackers. Seven classic Chinese firecrackers at your fingertips that don’t require a lighter. $.99.