February 17 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Feb. 18) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Feb. 23). On the fifteenth day (Mar. 3) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2026 is the year of the horse. More specifically it is the yangfire horse. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2025 was
the year of the yin wood snake, and 2027 will be of the yin fire goat.
The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
January 29 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Jan. 30) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Feb. 4). On the fifteenth day (Feb. 12) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2025 is the year of the snake. More specifically it is the yinwood snake. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2024 was
the year of the yang wood dragon, and 2026 will be of the yang fire horse.
The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
February 10 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Feb. 11) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Feb. 16). On the fifteenth day (Feb. 24) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2024 is the year of the dragon. More specifically it is the yangwood dragon. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2023 was
the year of the yin water rabbit, and 2025 will be of the yin wood snake.
The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
January 22 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Jan. 23) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Jan. 28). On the fifteenth day (Feb. 5) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2023 is the year of the rabbit. More specifically it is the yinwaterrabbit. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2022 was
the year of the yang water tiger, and 2024 will be of the yang wood dragon.
The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
February 1 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Feb. 2) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Feb. 7). On the fifteenth day (Feb. 15) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2022 is the year of the tiger. More specifically it is the yangwatertiger. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2021 was
the year of the yin metal ox, and 2023 will be of the yin water rabbit.
The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
February 12 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Feb. 13) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Feb. 18). On the fifteenth day (Feb. 26) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2021 is the year of the ox. More specifically it is the yinmetalox. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2020 was
the year of the yang metal rat, and 2022 will be of the yang water tiger.
The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
January 25 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Jan. 26) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Jan. 31). On the fifteenth day (Feb. 8) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2020 is the year of the rat. More specifically it is the yangmetalrat. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2019 was
the year of the yin earth pig, and 2021 will be of the yin metal ox.
The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
February 5 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Feb. 6) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Feb. 11). On the fifteenth day (Feb. 20) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2019 is the year of the pig. More specifically it is the yinearthpig. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2018 was
the year of the yang earth dog, and 2020 will be of the yang metal rat.
The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
February 16 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Feb. 17) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Feb. 22). On the fifteenth day (Mar. 2) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2018 is the year of the dog. More specifically it is the yangearthdog. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2017 was
the year of the yin fire rooster, and 2019 will be of the yin earth pig.
The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
January 28 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Jan. 9) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Feb. 3). On the fifteenth day (Feb. 11) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2017 is the year of the rooster. More specifically it is the yinfirerooster. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2015 was
the year of the yin wood goat, and 2017 will be of the yin fire rooster. The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
February 8 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Feb. 9) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Feb. 14). On the fifteenth day (Feb. 22) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2016 is the year of the monkey. More specifically it is the yangfiremonkey. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2015 was
the year of the yin wood goat, and 2017 will be of the yin fire rooster. The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
In an era when text is created, stored, processed, and distributed through computers it is easy to forget the expressive power and historical significance of the handwritten word. Writing letters to loved ones has been replaced with email and texting. Books are printed by the millions. There was a time when each copy of a book was written by someone with quill and ink. Modern efficiency and convenience facilitate the spread of ideas like never before. This mass production of text can make us overlook the value of writing as a visual art. Calligraphy remains beneficial even as technology makes handwriting less prevalent in our lives.
In some Asian cultures, particularly China and Japan, penmanship carries greater importance than it does in other parts of the world. This is partly due to the structure of a language. Written Chinese, for example, has no alphabet. Every word has its own character, and characters can be quite elaborate. An individual word is an artwork unto itself rather than a string of smaller symbols. To some it may be just black and white scribbles. Under aesthetic consideration, however, the contrast between tonal simplicity and complexity of shape gives vitality to such artwork.
The act of writing a word, of drawing a character, can be a vehicle for pursuing mental tranquility and spiritual strength. Calligraphy, for many, is as much meditation as it is a form of communication. Every stroke of the brush or pen is given complete attention. Every movement carries a sense of purpose. In relation to Zen Buddhism this practice is called Hitsuzendo. Zen calligraphers clear their minds of distracting thoughts and translate that experience into ink-based images. The state of mind while writing a word is of higher importance than the word itself. In this way, calligraphy benefits the practitioner regardless of technology or culture.
February 19 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Feb. 20) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Feb. 25). On the fifteenth day (Mar. 5) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
2015 is the year of the goat (also called ram or sheep). More specifically it is the yinwoodgoat. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, and then water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2014 was
the year of the yang wood horse, and 2016 will be of the yang fire monkey. The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
Martial arts are often portrayed as mere pugilism. It is easy to regard them purely as methods of violence, but such a view is woefully incomplete. The self-discipline required of serious martial artists can actually make them mature, level-headed, friendly individuals. In fact, many students of one particular fighting system are not even interested in combat. They learn how to punch for the sake of bodily health and mental tranquility. They learn taijiquan, or tai chi.
Taijiquan (tai chi chuan, t'ai ch'i ch'uan) is commonly translated to "supreme ultimate fist." It is a martial art that emphasizes yin-yang philosophy and efficiency of movement. There are several main branches or styles of taijiquan: Chen, Yang, Wu (Hao), Wu, and Sun. Each style is named after its founder and reflects his particular mindset concerning martial arts.
Taijiquan is an internal martial art. As such, practitioners focus on sensations within the body. Moving slowly allows them to carefully study how their muscles and bones work together. They ask themselves questions like "Do I have correct posture? Where do I feel tension or pain? Am I coordinating my whole body in unison?" They also think about yin and yang in the context of fighting. Hard and soft, push and pull, rise and fall, slow and fast, advance and retreat. This inward focus leads to heightened physical awareness and peace of mind.
Taijiquan's slow, meditative method of practice makes it a well-suited exercise for sick and elderly people. These practitioners may not be concerned about combat readiness, but they reap benefits for their health. Taijiquan promotes many things: deep breathing, good blood pressure, increased balance and coordination, a calm and focused mind, and increased blood circulation. Far from being just a fighting system, taijiquan is studied as a tool for longevity and personal growth.
January 31 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Presents are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday on the second day (Feb. 1) and the “common man's birthday” on the seventh day (Feb. 6). On the fifteenth day (Feb. 14) the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this last day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
As you may have heard, 2014 is the year of the horse. More specifically it is the yangwoodhorse. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, and then water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These patterns combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2013 was
the year of the yin water snake, and 2015 will be of the yin wood goat. The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year.
Today starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Presents are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together.
As
the new year begins, firecrackers and fireworks are set off in
multitude to cast out evil spirits and celebrate a fresh start. On this
day (the first of fifteen) dragon and lion dances are performed. Elders are visited by their descendants. Gifts of money are given to younger family members. People try to get as much good luck as possible.
Further festivities can be enjoyed for the next two weeks, including several birthdays. A couple examples are the God of Wealth's birthday tomorrow and the “common man's birthday” on February 16. On February 24 the new year's celebration is concluded with the Lantern Festival. For this fifteenth and final day of the Spring Festival, candles are lit and lanterns are paraded through the streets.
As you may have heard, 2013 is the year of the snake. More specifically it is the yinwatersnake. In Chinese astrological beliefs, birth years follow cycles. The twelve-year zodiac cycle goes like this: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and then pig. The ten-year elemental cycle is as follows: wood, wood, fire, fire, earth, earth, metal, metal, water, and then water. The two-year yin-yang cycle is, obviously, yin then yang. These terms combine to form one overall sixty-year cycle. Astrologers
use these cycles to determine the character traits and fortunes of a
person based on birth year. According to the sixty-year cycle, 2012 was
the year of the yang water dragon, and 2014 will be of the yang wood horse. The astrological beliefs are so widespread that Chinese
communities experience an increase in birth rates during dragon years.
Parents try to have their children born on those years simply because
the dragon is the best zodiac animal. If you are born in a year of the
dragon, so the astrologers say, you will be smarter, luckier, and more
successful in life than if you were born any other year. People born in snake years are said to be intelligent and influential, but they can also be manipulative and selfish.
Because of their abstract beauty, Chinese symbols, or characters, are widely used for decoration and tattoos. Posters, framed paintings, shirts, hats, and many more items
can be bought that are adorned with Chinese writing (other languages
like Japanese are also used). Below are some Chinese symbols with their
translations provided. Click the pictures for larger versions.
February 17 starts the Chinese New Year which corresponds to the lunisolar calendar. The holiday is also called the Spring
Festival and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
Festivities around this time are driven by a desire for prosperity and
good will. For instance, houses are cleaned in hopes of expelling bad
luck and making way for good luck. Debts are paid. Grudges are
forgotten. Encouraging messages (such as 福
which means good fortune) are hung up everywhere. Gifts are given.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to reunite and enjoy
dinner together. 
