This is a transcript of PM broadcast at 1800 AEST on local radio. And as you've just heard from John, today marks the first day of the Chinese lunar New Year, the Year of the Golden Snake. With more on the celebrations, here's Emma Simkin. China towns around the world are abuzz today as the New Year is welcomed in.
Dragons coil their way around the streets to the sound of drums and symbols.
Crackers blast and shoppers swarm the markets to buy fresh produce for special meals tonight. Jenny Teo from the Chinese New Year Festival in Melbourne, explains the significance of the Snake. It's a year of reflection, planning and searching for answers. It's also an auspicious year for commerce and industry and it will be very lively for romance as well. And the venerable wisdom of the snake will be evident in many facets of our life, particularly in those that require decisions.