Celebrations for the Lunar New Year are in full swing across Southeast Asia.<br/> The Lunar New Year is considered the biggest holiday of the Chinese calendar and symbolises a time of change and renewal.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) BUSINESSMAN, 38-YEAR-OLD, KEE YONG CHIN SAYING:<br/> "Although this is a very traditional way, it gives us new hopes in the new year and motivates us to usher in the new year with high spirits."<br/> Those with Chinese heritage in Malaysia pray to their ancestors for good luck in the Year of the Dragon.<br/> Meanwhile in Manila, crowds gathered in the city's Chinatown, to pray for prosperity, represented by the mythical dragon from the Chinese Zodiac.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) TOURIST GUIDE LAWRENCE CHAN SAYING:<br/> "My personal wish is that the country would have peace, which is the ultimate goal for every Filipino. Not only that, but probably better standards of living for all."<br/> For years, ethnic Chinese in Indonesia were banned from holding Lunar New Year ceremonies in public.<br/> But more than a decade after the ban was repealed, those in Indonesia congregated at a temple in Jakarta, burning candles and lighting incense.<br/> Billions of people around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, which began Monday.<br/> Jessica Gray, Reuters
