Xin Niem Kwei Ler

In Malaysia, decorations or statues of pigs are an unusual sight

Millions of people are returning home for the start of Chinese New Year in what is described as the world's biggest human migration.

Sunday marks the start of the Year of the Golden Pig, which is believed to be particularly auspicious. The festivities have already been getting under way across many parts of Asia, with a large number of businesses shutting for the break.

Chinese New Year is a time for people to spend with their families, visit relatives and friends, hold feasts, buy new clothes and exchange red envelopes of gift money called ang pow. The Year of the Golden Pig falls once every 60 years.

The traditional red lanterns - a symbol of good luck - are being hung up, but this year, however, in Malaysia, decorations or statues of pigs are an unusual sight. The Year of the Pig is celebrated with greater restraint and sensitivity in Asia countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia with large Muslim populations, which view pigs as offensive and unclean.

Some soothsayers warn that the pig can bring turbulence, and warn of a rise in natural disasters and conflict in 2007.

The pig is the last of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac

Pigs symbolise good luck, but also turbulence

2007 is the year of the fire (golden) pig

Babies born in Golden Pig years are believed to be particularly lucky

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