Pace Paw Print

This year's Chinese New Year landed on Thursday, Feb. 7. It is also the year of the rat, according to the Chinese zodiac, and it is a time of celebration for the Chinese. The holiday is observed on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese calendar is in year 4706 right now. The Chinese New Year is a very important Chinese tradition. However, most people recognize this holiday as men dressed up as lions, red envelopes, and money. It is very similar to big holidays such as Christmas. Chinese New Year is more than just firecrackers, it is a celebration to bring in the New Year and get together with family and friends. This festive holiday also influenced China's geographic neighbors such as Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and many other eastern Asian countries.

Like major holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and even President's Day, it is recognized nationally throughout the United States. To observe these holidays, most government buildings and schools are closed. In the United States, Chinese New Year is only recognized as a public holiday. Chinese workers usually just close their business for a day, and return to work the following day. Banks and shops have limited hours. However, in China, workers get a paid day off and most businesses and universities are closed.

The New Year is celebrated beginning on the eve of the holiday. Traditional families would cook all sorts of Chinese specialties, such as jumbo shrimps with walnuts or some other special seafood. Some families, instead, go out for a feast. Chinese restaurants are generally open until midnight during New Year's Eve.

The real celebration begins on the New Year. Young children usually wear a new outfit, which is almost always red. Red is a symbol of luck, and the Chinese wear red to drive away bad luck for the new year. The morning feast is usually something light, such as rice served with vegetables. Everyone must greet their relatives or guests by saying "Happy Chinese New Year." Red envelopes and gifts are usually exchanged after the greetings, but only married couples give out red envelopes because their money is considered to be lucky.

In large Chinese populated areas, there are usually celebrations going on around town. There are men dressed up as lions, dragons, firecrackers, Chinese operas, and plenty of dancing. Chinatown is the place to be on this day.

Throughout the day, adults usually get together to play the famous mahjong, a game that originated from China. This game for four involves skill, strategy, and a little luck (lets hope everyone has on there red shirts). Children get together to play their games. and the day ends with yet another big feast. With families saying their goodbyes, they are already thinking about next year's celebration and reunion.

The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12 year cycle. This year is the year of the rat. Which one are you?

Rat: (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008.) 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.

Bull: (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009.)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: (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.)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: (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.) You are the kind of person that people like to be around affectionate, obliging, and 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: (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.)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: (1941, 1953, 1965, 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: (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.) Your capacity for hard work is amazing. You 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.

Goat: (1943, 1955, 1967, 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: (1944, 1956, 1968, 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: (1945, 1957, 1969, 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: (1946, 1958, 1970, 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: (1947, 1959, 1971, 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.

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