Various news agencies have reported that the number of couples getting married in China has spiked up as the Lunar New Year approaches. Apparently the upcoming Year of the Horse is an unlucky one because it does not contain a date for the start of spring. Covering February 12, 2002 through January 31, 2003, this new year will have just missed the start of spring on February 4, 2002 and will not contain the following one. Engaged couples are taking all the luck they can get and rushing off to the marriage offices. But some are being patient and waiting for this year to pass by.