CHINESE NEW YEAR
February 7, 2008
Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.
The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors.
2008 is the Year of the Rat. The Rat year is a year of plenty, bringing opportunity and good prospects. It will be marked by speculation and fluctuations in the prices of commodities and the stock market; the world economy in general will boom. Business will be on the upswing, fortunes can be made and it will be an easy time to accumulate wealth. However, this is also the time to make long-term investment plans as the bonanza the year of the Rat brings will serve to see us through the bleak years that may follow. All ventures begun at this time will be successful if one prepares well. But do not take chances or unnecessary risks: the year of the Rat is still ruled by the cold of winter and the darkness of night. Those who speculate indiscriminately and overextend themselves will come to a sad reckoning.
On the whole, this will be a happier year than most: free from explosive events and wars and with far less catastrophes than, say, the years of the Tiger or the Dragon.
Nonetheless, it will be spicy. It promises a lot of bickering, bargaining and petty arguments that will do little harm. A congenial time that will find most of us socializing and enjoying ourselves.
1924 - 1936 - 1948 - 1960 - 1972 - 1984 - 1996 - 2008 Read more about the Rat...
How will your sign fare during the Year of the Rat?
A prosperous year for the
RAT native. He can look forward to a promotion or boost in career. Few small illnesses worry him this year and he can make unexpected achievement and monetary gains.
A smooth and prosperous time for the
OX or BUFFALO. Luck will favor his undertakings, and all his previous troubles tend to fade away. He gains recognition in his work and could assume new posts of importance. Celebrations can be expected at home.
Not a very lucky year for the
TIGER. Business is difficult and he could find that money is scarce or withheld from him. He will only be rewarded if he exercises prudence and patience. He must avoid impulsive acts and be conservative in his outlook.
A good, calm year for the
RABBIT, No surprises, no big problems, but not as fruitful as he wishes either. Progress will be steady as no serious opposition is foreseen in his work or home areas. A time to make plans for the future or buy property.
A lively year ahead for romance and pursuing business interests. Money will flow in but one bad deal could make a dent in the
DRAGON's resources. He will find it easy to relax and his overall performance will be good. No big problems confront him at home or at work.
A year of activity for the
SNAKE. New outlooks and opportunities present themselves. The Snake will make some advancement in career. This will also be a year for dramatic events, both good and bad. His financial gains will balance out his losses and his problems will be solved by goodwill. A time in which he should neither lend nor borrow money.
A difficult year for the
HORSE. Problems and unhappy romantic involvements. He must steer clear of confrontation, especially with the law. Some monetary troubles in the family. A time for the Horse to be cautious and persevering. Should not lend or borrow money.
A very good year for the
SHEEP or GOAT. Gifts and gains from unlikely sources such as gambling, lottery, etc. Business opportunities indicated. Home life may be placid but romance and social successes foreseen. No illness or sizable problems.
A lucky and prosperous year for the
MONKEY. Money comes rom unlikely sources and it is an excellent time for him to advance his position or ask for loans. Problems are easily solved and he is feted or sought after by important people. New members are added to his family.
A difficult year. The
ROOSTER will be forced to dip into savings as money is scarce or find that other people waste his money. Friends won't be of great help or will let him down when he goes to them for assistance. Headaches at home and health discomforts are indicated, as he works hard to settle his troubles alone. A year for discretion and much moderation.
Read more about the Rooster...
A very fortunate year. The
DOG can be successful in business or will receive additional income from some investments. His health is good but there will be some problems in his home area or with young children. He should avoid lending money this year.
A year of uncertainties for the
BOAR or PIG. Things are unsettled at work and at home and he may lose something he presumed he gained. He will manage to surmount difficulties but worries weigh him down and adversely affect his progress and chances for success.
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