LUNAR NEW YEAR

Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated festivals around the world, particularly in countries like China, Vietnam, South Korea, and more. It marks the start of the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. This vibrant and joyful celebration, also known as the Spring Festival in China, is a time for family reunions, feasts, honouring ancestors, and welcoming a new year full of hope, prosperity, and good fortune.

2025 is the year of the Wood Snake.

A key part of Lunar New Year is the Chinese Zodiac, which is made up of 12 animal signs. Each year is represented by an animal, and people born in that year are believed to inherit characteristics associated with their animal. These animals are also linked to elements like wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, creating a unique cycle that repeats every 60 years. Here’s a breakdown of the 12 zodiac signs, their corresponding years, and some of the traits typically associated with each one:

Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032)

• Traits: Clever, quick-witted, charming, resourceful.
• Element: Water
• People born in the Year of the Rat are known for being intelligent, ambitious, and adaptable.

Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033)

• Traits: Reliable, hardworking, strong, determined.
• Element: Earth
• Those born under the Ox are steady, practical, and dependable, making them natural leaders.

Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034)

• Traits: Brave, competitive, confident, adventurous.
• Element: Wood
• Tigers are known for their courage and willingness to take risks. They have a strong sense of independence.

Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035)

• Traits: Gentle, kind, elegant, quiet.
• Element: Wood
• The Rabbit is known for being compassionate and soft-spoken, as well as a symbol of peace and good fortune.

Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036)

• Traits: Charismatic, confident, ambitious, energetic.
• Element: Earth
• People born in the Year of the Dragon are often seen as natural-born leaders with a flair for drama and innovation.

Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037)

• Traits: Wise, intuitive, elegant, mysterious.
• Element: Fire
• Snakes are considered deep thinkers with a strong sense of intuition and a calm, collected demeanour.

Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038)

• Traits: Energetic, independent, intelligent, free-spirited.
• Element: Fire
• Horses are lively, outgoing, and love freedom. They’re often seen as hardworking and highly social.

Goat (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039)

• Traits: Gentle, compassionate, creative, calm.
• Element: Earth
• Known for their artistic talents and serene nature, Goats are often sensitive and caring.

Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040)

• Traits: Clever, curious, playful, resourceful.
• Element: Metal
• Monkeys are witty, energetic, and versatile. They’re quick thinkers and enjoy problem-solving.

Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041)

• Traits: Honest, brave, hardworking, confident.
• Element: Metal
• Roosters are punctual, confident, and have a strong sense of responsibility. They are also very detail-oriented.

Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042)

• Traits: Loyal, honest, friendly, protective.
• Element: Earth
• Dogs are known for their loyalty and sincerity. They are dependable friends and often the voice of reason in tough situations.

Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043)

• Traits: Generous, compassionate, honest, diligent.
• Element: Water
• Pigs are known for their sincerity, kindness, and strong work ethic. They enjoy the comforts of life and are always ready to help others.

Celebrating Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year celebrations are about more than just zodiac signs. The festival is rich with traditions that vary from country to country but typically include:

• Reunion Dinners: Families gather for a big meal to celebrate and bond. Traditional dishes like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes are commonly served, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
• Red Envelopes: Known as hongbao in Chinese culture, these red envelopes filled with money are given to children or unmarried adults to wish them luck and happiness for the year ahead.
• Fireworks and Firecrackers: These are used to scare away evil spirits and bring good fortune for the upcoming year.
• Lion and Dragon Dances: These lively performances, filled with color and excitement, symbolize power, strength, and good luck.
• Decorations: Homes and public spaces are decorated with red lanterns, couplets, and symbols of the zodiac animal for that year, all meant to attract good fortune and happiness.

Final Thoughts

Lunar New Year is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration. Whether you’re marking the start of the year with family or simply learning more about the zodiac and its meanings, it’s an opportunity to embrace new beginnings and opportunities.

So, which zodiac sign are you? How does it shape your personality and your year ahead? The Lunar New Year reminds us of the importance of family, tradition, and embracing new possibilities for happiness and success in the year to come.