Happy Chinese New Year!

Today (23^rd January) is the first day of the Chinese New Year. The Chinese year is 4709^. The Chinese use the Stem-Branch calendar to count the days, months and years which is why the year is different to ours.

There are 10 Stems named by the Chinese Five Elements and their Yin-Yang (male-female) eg. Yang Wood, Yin Wood etc. The 12 Branches use animal names ie Rat, Cow, Dragon and are the Chinese zodiac signs. 

The year 2012 is Male Water Dragon. 

There are many stories as to how the animals were chosen for the zodiac signs. One of them is that the rat was given the job of inviting a variety of animals to a banquet to meet the Jade Emperor, ruler of the heaven and the earth. Those animals that showed up made a place in the calendar. The cat did not make it as the rat tricked him into thinking that the banquet was the night after, thus making the cat and the rat enemies for eternity. 

I wonder why the panda didn’t make it!

The Dragon is the only mythical creature to be included in the Chinese calendar and in China is the symbol of power from heaven. It is the most auspicious animal, is the symbol of royalty and is thought to bring wealth, wisdom, courage and power. It is for this reason that many couples believe the year of the Dragon the best year to have a child. 

If you were born in a previous year of the dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000) 2012 may not be a lucky year for you, but fear not if you wear something red, given to you as a gift, you will ward off the bad luck!

‘Gung hay fat choy’ is the traditional Chinese greeting for new year meaning ‘Best wishes and congratulations. Have a prosperous and good year’

We found this funky Chinese New Year Song on YouTube. “Gung hay fat choy” to all of our readers!