I will be in Taiwan for The Chinese New Year is called this because the Chinese developed a lunar calender in 2600BC.
We have been here before and it is a fabulous place to visit.
You will see the real things, in the Museums, that were only copies in China.
It is celebrated in China, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, (this is also China), Singapore, Vietnam and the people from these countries who live everyplace in the World.
Japan used to celebrate it, but changed to the solar calendar that we use.
The Calendar
The calendar is based on the cycles of the moon. A complete cycle takes 60 years, (because it is made up of 5 cycles of 12 years). Each of the 12 years is names after an animal.
The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on personality.
The people believe that the gods visit their homes, so that they will have a fabulous harvest.
This year the Chinese New Year will be on February 9, 2005.
The New Year is seen as a time to make a fresh start. It is also a time to strengthen or renew family relationships and remember ancestors.
On New Year's Eve people have a big family dinner at home. Pork and dumplings are always served. The dumplings are made in the shape of the ancient gold ingots. Every adult has a least one glass or liquor, (Jui).
On the first day all food that are served are vegetarian, to purify your soul.
In Both Chinas
The children put their shoes and stand on stilts, and dance in the streets.
Performers go out on the street and are accompanied by flutes, drums and gongs, as they perform the Majestic Opera.
In South Korea
I have been there in the year of the golden dragon, (a very special year) and the year of the dragon.
In Korea, people wear traditions costumes on the New Year's Day and when the see their parents and grand parents they act very formal, (as if they were kings and queens). This is the way to show the strong family ties.
Children received money given as a gift at the New Year from their parents and then they have banquets.
The family has a traditional meal, and the go to a theater to see a show of the traditional dances.
The ''Nongak'', (dance of farmers), is the favorite one. Young men dance with drums and gongs. They make quick turns and jumping around. As they turn their heads, white tapes put on the hats are waving. ''Nongaku'' is performed with the pray of the good harvests in autumn.
Before the New Year people make sure their houses are spotless. They drape a Lei around the neck of the female and male house gods, that stand out side their house.
There is always a parade, that is lead by the dragon dance. The floats are decorated with flowers, (real or paper), and the people on them wear disguises.
There will always be something red, (firecrackers and cloths).
If you are in Asia, and buy something from a shop, you will receive a present, (that depends on how much you spent). I once bought a pair of shoes, and received a purse to match it, as my gift. In Victoria, we only get a candy!
Each of the animal years is subject to an element or you could call it a flavor. These are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.
You Can Find Out Your Animal
Rat,(1912 - 1924 - 1936 - 1948 - 1960 - 1972 - 1984 ). 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.
Ox, (1913 - 1925 - 1937 - 1949 - 1961 - 1973 - 1985). You are a born leader and 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 Ox would be successful as a skilled surgeon, general, or hairdresser.
Tiger, (1914 - 1926 - 1938 - 1950 - 1962 - 1974 - 1986), 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 rebel. Your sign shows you would be excellent as a boss, explorer, race car driver, or matador.
Cat or Rabbit, (1915 - 1927 - 1939 - 1951 - 1963 - 1975 - 1987 ). You don't like conflict and dislike to argue. You do love traditions.
Dragon, (1916 - 1928 - 1940 - 1952 - 1964 - 1976 - 1988). You are 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, (1917 - 1929 - 1941 - 1953 - 1965 - 1977 - 1989). You are charming and very smart. 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, ( 918 - 1930 - 1942 - 1954 - 1966 - 1978 - 1990). Your capacity for hard work is amazing. You are your own person-very independent. While, intelligent and friendly, you have a strong guard against being egotistical. Your sign suggests success as an adventurer, scientist, poet, or politician.
Goat, (1919 - 1931 - 1943 - 1955 - 1967 - 1979 - 1991). You have the knack of always getting off on the wrong foot with people, the Goat can be charming company. You are elegant and artistic but the first to complain about things. Put aside your pessimism and wort and try to be less dependent on material comforts. You would be best as an actor, gardener, or beachcomber.
Monkey, (1920 - 1932 - 1944 - 1956 - 1968 - 1980 - 1992). You are a very intelligent and a very lever wit. Because of your extraordinary nature and magnetic personality, you are always well-liked. The Monkey, must guard against begin an opportunist and distrustful of other people. Your sign promises success in any field you try.
Rooster, (1921 - 1933 - 1945 - 1957 - 1969 - 1981 - 1993). 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, (1910 - 1922 - 1934 - 1946 - 1958 - 1970 - 1982). The Dog will never let you down. Born under this sign you are honest, and faithful to those you love. You worry to much, a sharp tongue, and a tendency to be a fault finder, however. You would make an excellent businessman, activist, teacher, or secret agent.
Boar, (1911 - 1923 - 1935 - 1947 - 1959 - 1971 - 1983). You are a great 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 Boar would be best in the arts as an entertainer, or possibly a lawyer.
My husbands a rat and I'm an ox! This is the year of the Rooster.
To all of you, Gung hay fat choy (May you become prosperous.)
Thanks for reading my review.
