Happy Lunar New Year!
The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many Asian countries. In China, it lasts for more than just a few days (fifteen in total) giving families the opportunity to gather and celebrate. It has come to be known most commonly as the Chinese New Year.
It has also been called “the world’s largest annual human migration” – an estimated 2.8 billion trips are made across China. During this time those living away from home such as students, migrant workers and office employees make their way home to reunite and celebrate with their families. Based on the ancient Chinese lunar calendar, Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after winter solstice, between January 21st and February 19th, thus changing from year to year.
2015 Year of the Goat
According to Chinese astrology, each year is associated with an animal sign, occurring in a 12-year cycle. The 12 zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each one has special characteristics associated with it. For example, the people who were born in the year of the goat are thought to be gentle, mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic, amicable, and have a strong sense of kindheartedness and justice.
2015 Year of the Sheep
Apparently the Chinese Mandarin character which represents this year’s zodiac can be interpreted either as goat or sheep. Why is this and which one is actually correct? Yáng, or 羊, is a character which has a wider meaning than simply “sheep” or “goat” in English. It loosely translates as a hoofed animal that eats grass, and only gets lost in translation for those of us who want more definition.
Let the Celebrations Begin
Each day has its own special celebration. There are days for visiting friends and family, days for feasting, dragon dances, fireworks, and other traditional festivities all ending with the final lantern festival on the last day when red lanterns are released into the sky all at once.
As well as being celebrated in China, Japan, and Korea, there are also celebrations in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and other countries with significant Chinese populations. London and San Francisco host the largest celebrations outside of Asia, and smaller celebrations occur in most Western countries. In fact, roughly one-sixth of the world celebrates Chinese New Year, be it the Year of the Goat or Sheep!
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