Chinese New Year, the most important traditional Chinese holiday comes around on Feb. 3, and preparations have been made far in advance by most who celebrate it.
It’s viewed by the Chinese culture in the same way as Christmas is by Canadians, says Gene Wang of TJ’s Restaurant in 100 Mile House.
Decorations are an important part of the celebration and almost all will incorporate the colour red, as it’s considered to be lucky and capable of driving away misfortune.
Wang has covered all of the important bases in decorating her restaurant, including many hangings that offer wishes of good fortune, symbolic lanterns, and figures like that of a fish, which represents prosperity.
Fish is important in the Chinese culture and New Year’s Eve dinner would not be complete without a fish on a platter, complete with the head.
Wang says some of the fish will be saved and set aside to ensure a carry-over of prosperity into the new year.
Her festive table will also have vegetarian dumplings, which are important because pronunciation of the word dumpling in Chinese is similar to the phrase “After one o’clock” that relates to welcoming in the new year.
She will hide a coin in one of her dumplings and the person who finds it can expect a year of good fortune, according to Chinese folklore.
Pork will also be on her table to ensure strength and wealth in the new year.
Cleaning the house for the celebration will have been done prior to New Year’s Eve to sweep away any bad luck that could have accumulated during the past year.
Another very important custom is for adults to give red paper packets filled with lucky money to children, Wang explains.
“It means wishing them good health and acknowledges that they are getting a year older.”
Chinese New Year is very much a family celebration, but it is also when new predictions for the various Chinese zodiac signs come into effect.
Not all signs can expect good luck in any given year, but it is believed people can ward off some of their predicted misfortune by wearing something red on New Year’s Eve. Wang says it can come right down to putting on red underwear and socks.
In Chinese astrology, every year is represented by one of 12 animals and a list of traits that are believed to be common to people born in a particular year.
This New Year’s Eve will usher in the Year of the Rabbit, which overall means a quiet, calm and congenial time where overindulgence and the tendency to become overly placid prevails for everybody. In general, it is predicted to be a lucky year for all.
The rabbit covers those born in 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and 2011. Those born under the sign of the rabbit can expect a wonderful year filled success in love, art and “all else.”
According to Chinese astrology, the sign of the rabbit is one of the most noble, and those born under it are considered to be honourable and charitable. They show kindness and empathy to other people and have strong family ties. Their gift of dealing well with people often leads them to prominent positions.
According to predictions, those born in the year of the rabbit can also look forward in the coming year to success in trying something new.
Dragon
For those born in 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000.
The dragon is one of the strongest signs and it often brings success to those born under it. Their hot temperament can make them impulsive, but they can usually be relied upon in times of difficulty. They tire easily of routines that make them always on the lookout for new challenges.
In 2011, dragons may find their natural creativity rewarded, but they will have to keep a lid on their anger. Patience is the key.
Snake
For those born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001.
The thirst for knowledge and education are traits for the naturally intelligent snake. They think situations out
carefully before taking action and make good decisions when dealing with money and relationships. Cool, calm and collected, they handle stress well.
Those born under the sign of the snake can look forward this year to a little quicker pace than usual, which will require some fast thinking and decision-making. Taking advice from trusted friends will be beneficial.
Horse
For those born in 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, and 2002.
The social horse loves to be the centre of attention and usually has a wide circle of friends. Relationships can often be short and intense, but the horse is rarely single for long. Success follows the horse due to their positive attitude and strong belief in themselves.
A productive year is ahead, with good potential in career, business and love.
Sheep
For those born in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003.
The thoughtful and unselfish sheep values family and friends above all. They are known for their gentle nature and their fondness of art and culture. Often creative, the sheep is also a worrier and easily succumbs to stress.
Opportunity and financial reward awaits the sheep who are willing to break with caution in 2011 and strike off in their own direction.
Monkey
For those born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004.
Confident, charismatic and adventurous, the monkey finds it difficult to accept authority. Their ability to think outside the box makes them talented at overcoming challenges but a tendency to become lazy can sometimes get in the way.
The monkey is looking at a year filled with good fortune and prosperity. Career advancement is possible and relationships will take a positive turn.
Rooster
For those born in 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005.
Roosters demand the best for them-selves and do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. Their ideals are
high, but they are practical, disciplined and hard working. The sharp and capable rooster is solid during a crisis and able to conquer obstacles easily.
A year of conflict is ahead for the rooster and keeping tempers in check is a must. Working hard and managing their money, mouths and health are in order to rise above it.
Dog
For those born in 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006.
The naturally happy and optimistic dog easily inspires others to look at them for leadership. They value loyalty but are easily made jealous and can be unforgiving after disagreements. Stubbornness prevents them from admitting they are wrong.
Dogs need to get out of their rut, make some changes and try a few new things this year. Using their natural charm and charisma will work wonders, but the help of friends and colleagues will be important in achieving goals.
Pig
For those born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007.
The likable pigs can always be depended on for their honesty and sense of fair play. They are an excellent judge of character and deal well with people. They can wrongly underestimate their skills or talents, which can hold them back from achievement.
Pigs will experience good fortune in 2011, but they must be wary of ill-intentioned new friends. There is potential for advancement in career, but it may be hampered by superiors and rivals.
Rat
For those born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 and 1996.
The determined rats are hungry for success and relentless in achieving it. Intelligence gives them the potential to go far, but they can be hotheaded in the face of difficulties, which can create conflict. Rats do not like to share.
This year, rats should be able to get the attention they have been missing out on. Conflict at home and at work is predicted, but how they deal with it is the key. By staying calm and using their head, rats can avoid serious problems.
Ox
For those born in 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 and 1997.
The ox tends to be loyal, patient and reliable and functions best in stable relationships. Their circle of friends is small but solid and friendships made are long lasting and strong. The ox does not do well with change and is not accepting of criticism from others.
This will be a busy year at work and an emotionally taxing one on the home front. The feeling of being taken advantage of may enter into the picture but rewards will be forthcoming. Hard work will be noticed and will pay off eventually.
Tiger
For those born in 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998.
Natural born leaders and great speakers, tigers often act before they think. Their confidence rubs off on those around them, but emotions run hot and cold and they change their minds frequently. They usually have many friends but can be easily influenced.
Expect more than the usual amount of hours spent in the office this year, but diligence will be rewarded. It will be a good time to channel energy into learning some new skills.