Happy Chinese New Year!
- Sarah Ammerman
- Jan 27, 2017
- 4 min read
Xīnnián kuàilè! (新年快乐) (pronounced "sshin-nyen kwhy-luh")
The last time I visited China was in 2012, but more recently I have had a lot of interaction with Chinese volleyball teams traveling to Europe and I have been their tour guide. Throughout the tours, I learned the Chinese value their Zodiac calendar a great deal. Each person knows which animal they are, what they represent, and their overall fortune. Some make decisions based on their fortune and others prefer not to know so their decision process is not jaded and they allow the universe to take its course.
I quickly learned what my Chinese Zodiac was; THE RABBIT. There are 12 different signs represented by animals and the year you are born determines your Zodiac. Finding out which animal you are and reading about the characteristics is a fun and intriguing activity to do with your friends of whom you know each other's personalities well. As I've done it with several people in the previous months, it is pretty fascinating how accurate most are.
2017 is the year of THE ROOSTER; if you were born in 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, and 2005 it is your year. According to the Chinese astrology, the year of your sign is believed to be one of the most unlucky, so beware ROOSTERS! Not all ROOSTERS are equal, there are 5 different ones, this is the year of the FIRE ROOSTER; known for being trustworthy, punctual and responsible. All animals can reap the benefits of the ROOSTER year by tapping into ROOSTER traits of loyalty, commitment, hard work, family values and top notch appearances.
5 Facts about the Chinese New Year
5. Known as the "Spring Festival", it is the longest and most important holiday in China
4. Celebration starts on January 27 and goes for one week, until February 2nd, the year goes until February 15, 2018
3. The date of the New Year is based on the lunar calendar, therefore it is on a different date every year
2. It is celebrated with firecrackers, watching traditional lion dances, family dinner on New Years Eve, and cleaning of houses on New Years Day to get rid of all bad fortune. It is traditional to give gifts, make amends, reconcile old debts, buy and wear new clothes
1. The biggest gift is red envelopes, hongbao, which have money in them. Why red? Chinese see the color red as the symbol for energy, happiness and good luck and wrapping money inside of red envelopes is meant to bring the receiver even more good luck and fortune. And it is important the bills placed inside are new and crisp
2017 Predictions
Best year for: DRAGON
Amazing year for: ROOSTER, OX, SNAKE
Good year for: TIGER, RAT
Mixed year for: PIG, GOAT, MONKEY
Difficult year for: DOG, RABBIT, HORSE
Find out what your Chinese Zodiac is and what it says about your personality:
THE RAT
2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
-lucky colors: blue, gold, green
-lucky numbers: 2, 3
-personality: quick witted, resourceful, versatile, kind, smart, sociable
-weaknesses: kind but sometimes impolite to others
THE OX
2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
-lucky colors: white, yellow, green
-lucky numbers: 1, 4
-personality: dependable, strong, diligent, and determined
-weaknesses: poor communicator
THE TIGER
2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
-lucky colors: blue, grey, orange, white
-lucky numbers: 1, 4, 3
-personality: brave, ambitious, competitive, charismatic, confident
-weaknesses: can be irritable and overindulged
THE RABBIT (that's me-1987)
2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
-lucky colors: red, pink, purple, blue
-lucky numbers: 3, 4, 6
-personality: quiet, elegant, trustworthy, quick, skillful, kind, patient, and particularly responsible
-weaknesses: too cautious and conservative, reluctant to reveal their minds to others
THE DRAGON
2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
-lucky colors: gold, silver, grayish white
-lucky numbers: 1, 6, 7
-personality: lucky, confident, intelligent, most vital and powerful beast in the Chinese Zodiac
-weaknesses: sometimes regarded to as aggressive
THE SNAKE
2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
-lucky colors: black, red, yellow
-lucky numbers: 2, 8, 9
-personality: philosophical, organized, intelligent, wise, the most intuitive
-weaknesses: usually stressed
THE HORSE
2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1977, 1965
-lucky colors: yellow, green
-lucky numbers: 2, 3, 7 (and numbers containing them)
-personality: active, energetic, animated, adaptable, courageous
-weaknesses: can be a little self centered
THE GOAT
2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
-lucky colors: green, red, purple
-lucky numbers: 2, 7
-personality: calm, gentle, mild mannered, sympathetic, they look gentle on the surface they are tough on the inside
-weaknesses: poor communicator
THE MONKEY
2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
-lucky colors: white, blue, gold
-lucky numbers: 4, 9
-personality: sharp, smart, magnetic personalities, curious, clever, flexible
-weaknesses: can't always exhibit their talents properly
THE ROOSTER
2017. 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
-lucky colors: gold, brown, yellow
-lucky numbers: 5, 7, 8
-personality: honest, energetic, hardworking, resourceful, courageous, and talented
-weaknesses: can be vain and boatful, like to brag about themselves
THE DOG
2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970
-lucky colors: green, red, purple
-lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9
-personality: loyal, honest, diligent, kind, steady, always ready to help others
-weaknesses: poor communicator, difficult for them to convey their thoughts to others
THE PIG
2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971
-lucky colors: white, yellow, green
-lucky numbers: 1, 4
-personality: compassionate, generous, diligent, have great concentration
-weaknesses: can be easily fooled
Comments