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The start of the lunar year is just around the corner, and millions across the world are preparing to celebrate Chinese New Year. In the Chinese lunar calendar, each year is signified by an animal from the Chinese zodiac cycle. 2016 will be Year of the Red Fire Monkey, and will start on 8th February. What
does this mean for you if you were born in the Year of the Red Fire
Monkey? Birth years in the 20th century include 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968,
1956, 1944, 1932 and 1920. Unfortunately, when the year of your birth
sign rolls round, the Chinese believes that you will suffer bad luck for
all 52 weeks. People in their birth year are said to offend Tai
Sui, the God of Age, and so they have to be on their best behaviour for
the whole 365 days. Tough call, fire monkeys. Turn your luck around by
wearing red, donning jade accessories and by facing in the right
direction by the compass. Yes, you did read that correctly. Southwest
for you unfortunate monkeys in 2016. The day will be marked by
lion dances, firecrackers and the giving of gifts. Here's everything you
need to know about Chinese New Year.
A man walks past Chinese Lunar New year decorations at Chinatown
When is Chinese New Year and why does the date change every year?
The Year of the Red Fire Monkey will begin on February 8 2016. The
date itself varies as Chinese New Year is based on the lunisolar
calendar, but it always falls between the end of January and
mid-February.
The
Chinese calendar attaches different animals to each lunar year in a
cycle of 12 years. The lucky colours for the Year of the Red Fire Monkey
include white, blue and gold. The year's lucky numbers are 4 and 9, and
the lucky flowers are chrysanthemum and crape-myrtle (a kind of
ornamental Chinese shrub). Take note, Red Fire Monkeys - you'll need a
few of these to perk your year up while you doggedly face southwest... The Monkey is taking over from the year of the Sheep.
Japan's zodiac representatives Hokuro, this year's zodiac
sign of sheep and Kikuchiyo, next year's zodiac sign of monkey, at a
handover ceremony in Osaka
How is Chinese New Year celebrated?
A Chinese girl performs a dance in a park during the Chinese Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year is celebrated with the ringing of
bells, the lighting of firecrackers and watching traditional lion
dances. On Chinese New Year's Day, families gather for the annual
reunion dinner, clean their houses and sweep away bad-fortune. Red
envelopes stuffed with "lucky money" are given to children, along with
written wishes for their kids to grow up healthy. People decorate their
houses with red paper cutouts, banners and special New Year paintings
during the festive period.
Chinese New Year 2016
People gathered at one of Hong Kong's best known temples - the Wong Tai
Sin - to make their new year wishes, while dancers dressed in
traditional costumes performed at Ditan Park in Beijing.
Wellwishers
in the Philippines, Indonesia, North Korea, South Korea, Malaysia and
Thailand have also kicked off the celebrations in their countries.
The Sydney Opera House in Australia was bathed in red light as part of
city wide lumiere and lantern display to welcome in Chinese New Year
While preliminary events have been kicking off across the UK, the big
celebrations in the capital won't take place until Sunday 14th February.
On Saturday, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square hosted a free Chinese New Year-themed family day, while Chiswick House Gardens launched the UK debut of the Magical Lantern Festival on Wednesday February 3rd. The display, which included a 66-metre long dragon, runs until March 6th.
The new year, also known as the Spring Festival, is marked by the
lunisolar Chinese calendar, so the date changes from year to year.
The festivities usually start the day before the New Year and continue
until the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the new year.
Each Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals which
appear in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac is divided into 12
blocks (or houses) just like its western counterpart, but with the major
difference being that each house has a time-length of one year instead
of one month. This year it's the Year of the Monkey, the ninth animal in the cycle. The next Year of the Monkey will be in 2028.
Popular Chinese New Year Greetings
1. 新年好 / 新年好 (Xīnnián hǎo) 'New Year goodness!' In Mandarin: /sshin-nyen haoww/ In Cantonese: /sen-nin haow/ 2. 恭喜发财 / 恭喜發財 (Gōngxǐ fācái) 'Happiness and prosperity!' In Mandarin: /gong-sshee faa-tseye/ In Cantonese: Kunghei fatchoy /gong-hey faa-chwhy/ 3. 步步高升 / 步步高陞 (Bùbù gāoshēng) A steady rise to high places! — "on the up and up" In Mandarin: /boo-boo gaoww-shnng / In Cantonese: /boh-boh goh-sshin /
The personality of the Monkey
People born in the Year of the Monkey are characterised as lively,
quick-witted, curious, innovative and mischievous, but it is also
believed to be one of the most unlucky years in the Chinese calendar.
The general image of people in this zodiac sign is of always being
smart, clever and intelligent, especially in their career and wealth.
In addition, their gentleness and honesty bring them an everlasting
love life. Although they were born with enviable skills, they still have
several shortcomings, such as an impetuous temper and a tendency to
look down upon others.
Julius Caesar, Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dickens, Lord Byron,
Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Michael Douglas, Alice Walker, Celine
Dion, Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Halle Berry, Christina Aguilera, Owen
Wilson, Daniel Craig, Mick Jagger, Bette Davis, Annie Oakley, Eleanor
Roosevelt, Cuba Gooding Jr., Gisele Bundchen, Kim Cattrall, Nick Carter,
Patricia Arquette, Alyson Stoner, Christina Ricci, Demi Lovato, Miley
Cyrus, Nick Jonas, Selena Gomez. Year of the Monkey celebrations around the world Your sign is derived from the year you were born in the Chinese lunar calendar.
The years below are a rough guide, but if you were born in January or
February it may be slightly different as the new year moves between 21
January and February 20.
Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
Sheep: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970
Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971
What does your Chinese zodiac sign mean?
In Chinese astrology, the 12 animal zodiac signs each have unique characteristics.
To be avoided on the first day of the Chinese New Year:
Medicine: Taking medicine on the first day of the lunar year means one will get ill for a whole year.
New Year's breakfast:
Porridge should not be eaten, because it is considered that only poor
people have porridge for breakfast, and people don't want to start the
year “poor” as this is a bad omen.
Laundry: People do not
wash clothes on the first and second day, because these two days are
celebrated as the birthday of Shuishen (水神, the Water God).
Washing hair: Hair must
not be washed on the first day of the lunar year. In the Chinese
language, hair (发) has the same pronunciation and character as 'fa' in
facai (发财), which means ’to become wealthy’. Therefore, it is seen as
not a good thing to “wash one’s fortune away” at the beginning of the
New Year.
Sharp objects: The use of
knives and scissors is to be avoided as any accident is thought to lead
to inauspicious things and the depletion of wealth.
Going out: A woman may not
leave her house; otherwise she will be plagued with bad luck for the
entire coming year. A married daughter is not allowed to visit the house
of her parents, as this is believed to bring bad luck to the parents,
causing economic hardship for the family.
The broom: If you sweep on this day then your wealth will be swept away too.
Crying children: The cry
of a child is believed to bring bad luck to the family, so parents do
their best to keep children as happy as possible.
Theft: Having your pocket picked is believed to portend your whole wealth in the coming year being stolen.
Debt: Money should not be
lent on New Year’s Day, and all debts have to be paid by New Year’s Eve.
If someone who owes you money, do not go to his or her home to demand
it. Anyone who does so it is said will be unlucky all the year.
An empty rice jar: An
depleted receptacle may cause grave anxiety, as the cessation of cooking
during the New Year period is considered to be an ill omen.
Damaged clothes: Wearing threadbare duds can cause more bad luck for the year.
Killing things: Blood is considered an ill omen, which will cause misfortunes such as a knife wound, or a bloody disaster.
Monochrome fashion: White or black clothes are barred as these two colours are traditionally associated with mourning.
Welcoming the New Year:
According to tradition, people must stay up late on New Year’s Eve to
welcome the New Year, and then to let off firecrackers and fireworks to
scare off inauspicious spirits and Nian, the New Year monster.
Giving of certain gifts: Clocks, scissors, and pears all have a bad meaning in Chinese culture.
When does the party start?
Celebrations in London, which are set to be the biggest outside Asia, are set to begin on Valentine's Day, Sunday February 14th. Thousands of people are expected to mark the occasion in London's Chinatown,
where a parade traditionally takes place. It is expected to start at
10am, travelling along Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue in the
West End before reaching Chinatown, but exact details are yet to be
released. In previous years the parade has included an official
opening ceremony and entertainment such as acrobatics, traditional dance
and music. Regent Street will be celebrating Chinese New Year
with a traditional Chinese Wishing Tree which will be stationed on
Glasshouse Street from 11am – 3pm.
The ancient tradition of the Wishing Tree is synonymous with good luck
and fortune, and the legend goes that hanging your hopes for the coming
year on a Wishing Tree will encourage your dreams to come true.
Members of the public are invited to visit the tree and receive a
bespoke wish written by an authentic Chinese calligrapher to take home
along with a golden chocolate coin, for added good fortune.
Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in London, New York and beyond
There are 10 large Chinese communities to consider if you fancy celebrating the beginning of the Year of the Monkey in style. This guide offer a few pointers...
The Magical Lantern Festival
London has been selected as the first city outside the Far East to host the Magical Lantern Festival, a dazzling extravaganza of lights, music theatre, culture and art. Tickets are now on sale from www.magicallantern.uk and runs from Febuary 3 to March 6 at Chiswick House in west London.
Where to eat
Sophie Campbell, our London expert, makes her recommendation
Y Ming (020 7734 2721; yming.co.uk)
35-36 Greek Street, W1: This place is small, friendly, not in the least
bit interested in being hip and serves northern Chinese food, rather
than the Cantonese you normally find in London. The vegetarian options
are great and they do a pre-theatre menu for £12. Try the soft
shell crab (£8.50) or the beef with coriander in a wrap (£11). They also
say on the menu that if you want Peking Duck done properly it requires
four hours' notice, so that's on my wish list. And I do like dim sum at the Royal China on Queensway, Bayswater (020 7221 2535; rcguk.co.uk),
partly because of the workmanlike servicing of huge circular tables
full of Chinese families, business people and locals, and partly because
they do great dumplings. I'm a sucker for the Shaolin Monk
Hotpot, which has lots of bean curd in it and I always hope will be
thrown across the room by a martial artist, and they do the sublime
Mango Pudding, loathed by everyone I know except me. I consider it right
up there in the culinary pantheon with Jam Roly Poly. They've got a number of other sites in London. There's a good one on Baker Street.
...Or try cooking at home
From Sichuan-style vension and sticky pork ribs to fragrant crispy chicken and the most delicious, umami-rich, miso mushrooms.
Professional footballers are getting in on the act...
On-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny tries to wish Roma fans a
happy Chinese New Year while Barcelona and Manchester City also post
videos to welcome in the Year of the Monkey
Chinese New Year 2016
Reviewed by Unknown
on
23:10:00
Rating: 5
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