Chinese New Year

Dragon dancers perform at the Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Kent Ma of Chino holds his son Aiden Ma, 20 months, as they place incense at the Thien Hau Temple.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Young and old clamor to touch the dragon as dancers perform during Chinese New Year celebrations at the Thien Hau Temple in Los Angeles’ Chinatown.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Hundreds of people visited the Thien Hau Temple to light incense and pray.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

In Beijing, a worshiper prays at the Dongyue Temple. Typical hopes for the new year: prosperity and good fortune.  (Mark Ralston / AFP/Getty Images)

At the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, performers take part in a traditional Qing dynasty ceremony in which emperors prayed for good fortune.  (Mark Ralston / AFP/Getty Images)

Performers propel Lunar New Year festivities at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.  (Mark Ralston / AFP/Getty Images)

Hong Kong lines up for the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade.  (Lam Yik Fei / Getty Images)

A dragon dance is part of a Chinese New Year parade in Hong Kong.   (Philippe Lopez / AFP/Getty Images)

Prayers are offered at the Seng Guan Temple in Manila.  (Noel Celis / AFP/Getty Images)

A dragon dance in performed as part of a Chinese New Year celebration in Manila.  (Francis R. Malasig / EPA)

A shop in Yokohama, Japan, gets a visit from a dancing lion.  (Keith Tsuji / Getty Images)

Prayers are offered during Chinese New Year celebrations at Bun San Bio Temple in Tangerang, Indonesia.  (Oscar Siagian / Getty Images)

A flood in Kudus, Indonesia, doesn’t deter the offering of prayers.  (Andreas Fitri Atmoko / Associated Press)

Travelers in Beijing rush to board trains to head home for the Lunar New Year.  (Mark Ralston / AFP/Getty Images)

Passengers in Beijing wait for trains.   (ChinaFotoPress / Getty Images)