HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!
Hey GBD gals and guys!
Here is a fantastic post by Jessica Fong!
Happy Chinese New Year! (and Vietnamese New Year too!)
I thought it might be fun to talk a small bit about the New Year and explain some of the characteristics of the zodiac signs and other fun stuff that comes with it. So, here I go!
This year, Chinese New Year and Vietnamese New Year falls on January 26th and festivities continue for fifteen days. In some cities, Chinese New Year is usually closed out with a huge parade. But, I am not really an expert on this subject. So, please forgive me if I leave out details or if there are errors in my explanations. (please do correct me!) It is a huge holiday celebrated by many Asian families and communities! In fact, this might be the only day off that many Asian business owners take off (seriously, some don’t even close for Thanksgiving nor Christmas).
There are some superstitions that are involved in preparing for the new year. I remember being forbidden to wash my hair on Chinese New Year’s day because I would be “washing away” the good luck from the New Year. But, how could you NOT wash your dirty hair?! Gross, I know, right?! Especially after sweating and running around gym class! Let’s just say this was quite an issue during those high school years. LOL
Other superstitions were not sweeping or cleaning your house on New Years day, because you would be “sweeping” your luck right out of your house. So, on the days before Chinese New Years, families spend a lot of time cleaning house in preparation for the new year. Getting back to the subject at hand, let’s have fun with the zodiac signs! Chinese zodiac signs are similar to horoscopes. And who doesn’t love those?
Again, I am no an expert when it comes to explaining the New Year, but I’ll try to give as many facts as I can remember. 2009 celebrates the year of the Ox. In each year that passes, each of the animals in the zodiac signs get represented in that year (for example, it’s the “Year of the Ox” this year and 2008 was the “Year of the Rat”). There are 12 animals total to represent the 12 year cycle. It’s Chinese tradition to recall your age, since your age corresponds to a certain animal on the zodiac calendar.
Ox (2009, 1997, 1985, 1973) A born leader, you inspire confidence from all around you. You are conservative methodical, and good with your hands. Guard against being chauvinistic and always demanding your own way. The Buffalo would be successful as a skilled surgeon, general, or hairdresser.
Tiger (2010, 1998, 1986, 1974) You are sensitive, emotional, and capable of great love. However, you have a tendency to get carried away and be stubborn about what you think is right; often seen as a “Hothead” or rebel. Your sign shows you would be excellent as a boss, explorer, race car driver, or matador
Rabbit (2011, 1999, 1987, 1975) You are the kind of person, that people like to be around affectionate, obliging, always pleasant. You have a tendency, though, to get too sentimental and seem superficial. Being cautious and conservative, you are successful in business but would also make a good lawyer, diplomat, or actor.
Dragon (2012, 2000, 1988, 1976) Full of vitality and enthusiasm, the Dragon is a popular individual even with the reputation of being foolhardy and a “big mouth” at times. You are intelligent, gifted, and a perfectionist but these qualities make you unduly demanding on others. You would be well-suited to be an artist, priest, or politician.
Snake (1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) Rich in wisdom and charm, you are romantic and deep thinking and your intuition guides you strongly. Avoid procrastination and your stingy attitude towards money. Keep your sense of humor about life. The Snake would be most content as a teacher, philosopher, writer, psychiatrist, and fortune teller.
Horse (1978, 1990, 2002, 2014) Your capacity for hard work is amazing. Your are your own person-very independent. While intelligent and friendly, you have a strong streak of selfishness and sharp cunning and should guard against being egotistical. Your sign suggests success as an adventurer, scientist, poet, or politician.
Sheep (1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) Except for the knack of always getting off on the wrong foot with people, the Goat can be charming company. Your are elegant and artistic but the first to complain about things. Put aside your pessimism and worry and try to be less dependent on material comforts. You would be best as an actor, gardener, or beachcomber.
Monkey (1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) You are a very intelligent and a very clever wit. Because of your extraordinary nature and magnetic personality, you are always well-liked. The Monkey, however, must guard against being an opportunist and distrustful of other people. Your sign promises success in any field you try.
Rooster (1981, 1993, 2005, 2017) The Rooster is a hard worker; shrewd and definite in decision making often speaking his mind. Because of this, you tend to seem boastful to others. You are a dreamer, flashy dresser, and extravagant to an extreme. Born under this sign you should be happy as a restaurant owner, publicist, soldier or world traveler.
Dog (1982, 1994, 2006, 2018) The Dog will never let you down. Born under this sign you are honest, and faithful to those you love. You are plagued by constant worry, a sharp tongue, and a tendency to be a fault finder, however. You would make an excellent businessman, activist, teacher, or secret agent.
Pig (1983, 1995, 2007, 2019) You are a splendid companion, an intellectual with a very strong need to set difficult goals and carry them out. You are sincere, tolerant, and honest but by expecting the same from others, you are incredibly naive. Your quest for material goods could be your downfall. The Pig would be best in the arts as an entertainer, or possible a lawyer.
Rat (1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) You are imaginative, charming, and truly generous to the person you love. However, you have a tendency to be quick-tempered and overly critical. You are also inclined to be somewhat of an opportunist. Born under this sign, you should be happy in sales or as a writer, critic, or publicist.
If you have time, try to look up if there are any festivities or parades for the Chinese New Year celebration in your area. If you find yourself around the area, San Francisco throws a massive parade to blow out the old year and ring in the new, which wraps around Union Square in the heart of downtown. The parade ends with an enormous dragon and a six-foot line of firecrackers that are lighted. In addition, the entire Chinatown district is decorated with red lanterns, and firecrackers galore. The street festivals are so much fun-booths full of games, trinkets, Chinese foods/pastries.
Luckily, I was able to attend one of the festivals this past weekend. I wanted to share some photos with you all and maybe get you all interested.
Hopefully you all will be able to get out there and check out a Chinese New Year festival around your area.
I hope everyone has a great Chinese New Year and can make it to a celebration, if not this year maybe next. This experience is definitely one that any person can enjoy!
Jessica Fong
aww you get to be a rabbit. those are so cute.
all the way back to Quebec…so, of course I wanna go back, but right now I have classes to attend and money to accumulate 
hopefully you can come visit again some time soon! then we a can meet up! yay! you sure bought a lot of stuff here. we should all organize a gbd roadtrip and create a roadmap of where ppl live to visit lol 
MarilyneL
January 27, 2009Really interesting Jessica!
I really enjoyed San Francisco’s Chinatown this summer. However, I’m thousands of kilometres away. Maybe Montreal hosts on. I should check that out
Happy Chinese New Year my lovely animals