(Epa/Diego Azubel)

Chinese performers dressed in brilliant clothing portraying an imperial entourage have a relaxing moment during a recreation of the Sacrifice to Heaven ritual on the eve of the Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China, 05 February 2010. The elaborate ritual was performed 682 times by 23 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which together spanned from 1368 AD to 1911 AD. The first Sacrifice to Heaven ritual began in the year 1420 AD when the Temple of Heaven was completed. The practice was meant to usher in wealth and security for the emperor (the Son of Heaven) and his nation. China’s Lunar New Year in 2010 commences on the February 14th - the first day of the Year of the tiger.