2013 Chinese New Year

What’s In-stored This Year

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You’ll notice many Chinese celebrating the Chinese New Year during this time of the year. Chinese communities are able to celebrate the most important holiday and this major event with Lion Dance Parades and understand the reasons behind the practices and festivities. 

Many look forward to the Chinese New Year, since it provides a “Fresh Start” with “New and Prosperous Opportunities.” It is the fortunate chance for all to “Forgive,” “Correct” and “Get Things Right.” With “Positive Attitudes,” before, during, throughout the New Year, “Luck and Fortune” follows.

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The Concept Behind Good Luck 

Chinese New Year 2013 is also known as the Year of the Snake. The Snake is one of the twelve Chinese Zodiac signs. In a twelve year cycle, each year has its appointed zodiac signs, and each sign has specific zodiac traits.Fortune-Upside-down

Feng Shui experts are the notable individuals who share their insights about fortune. Feng Shui is a known form of geomancy in Chinese tradition. Feng Shui helps people bring good fortune to their lives through qi and astronomical factors.

Here are some predictions for the Year of the Snake.

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 SnakeThe Year of the Snake in General

According to lunar calendar, the Year of the Snake may offer quite a number of challenges for some people. However, this may change depending on a person’s lucky elements and Chinese zodiac sign.

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luck-color-chart Lucky Colors

During the Year of the Snake, blue, black, green and grey aren’t the lucky colors; whereas, yellow, red, gold, white, silver and beige are regarded as the luckiest.

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 love-with-HeartPersonal Relationships

For personal relationships, it may be a challenging year ahead. It’s advisable to keep your cool and take a step back. Do not behave irrationally out of anger or frustration. 

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 Predictions for Other Zodiac Signs

People have a Chinese zodiac signs depending on the year they were born. People who are born in the Year of the Rat and Year of the Snake are among those who will receive good fortune when it comes to money.

While this year may be financially beneficial for those born in the Year of the Rat, it may not be as good for those in the Year of the Snake. They will earn money through their resources, but money will be consumed right away and may have less opportunity for savings. People who were born under these two signs, on the other hand, have lower odds in finding love this year.

People born in the Year of the Pig may have it hard this year. Resources indicate that those who have the Snake and the Pig signs will clash, which results to unstable fortune. Finances are predicted to be unstable and are advised to postpone any possible investment or business expansion this year.

These are just some of the things to expect for this year. By knowing these Feng Shui readings, people can use Chinese New Year Rituals and Practices, such as wearing lucky colors or avoiding short fuse in a relationship to have a peaceful year. However, remember that these forecasts serve just as guide to have a harmonious life this year.

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An Introduction to Chinese New Year’s History

The Chinese New Year is a known holiday across the globe. Just like the regular New Year celebration, various Chinese New Year Rituals and practices are observed yearly, and even individuals that don’t have Chinese heritage got used to this tradition.

With the upcoming Chinese New Year, there is much anticipation on what this New Year can bring. Based on the Chinese zodiac, experts were able to predict what’s in store for the upcoming year in terms of fortune as well as possible challenges that lie ahead.

 While many people anticipate and ask about their fortune for the coming Chinese New Year, many of them are still unaware of the colorful history behind this event.

 The Start of the Celebration

 This event’s name changed throughout the years. Known as The Lunar New Year, this event’s celebratory practices were influenced by the Nian festival or Nian Jie.

 In the past, the Chinese calendar was the basis in determining the New Year’s date. However, changes occurred when China started to use the Gregorian calendar, which resulted in naming the actual first day of the year as the New Year, while Spring Festival is the name given to actual Chinese New Year.

 The Tale of the Niam

 Just like other celebrations, the Chinese New Year also has its mythological background. This myth is the main reason that people conduct their rituals or practices. What triggered people in celebrating the Chinese New Year is the first encounter against the Nian. Nian was known as a mythological beast that used to partake on people’s livestock or resources during this time of the year. Moreover, it’s also believed that this creature also devoured humans. In order to protect humans from being feasted on by the Nian, people started to place food outside their houses for the beast. By doing so, the Nian will have plenty to eat; with its stomach filled, the Nian will less target humans.

 In addition, it was also believed that the color, red, has the ability to scare away the Nian. Traditionally, people used red colored items to protect themselves from this mythical beast. Also, red signifies good luck. That’s why red envelopes are used for monetary gift giving.

 Aside from the tale of the Nian, the birth of Chinese zodiac, which was based on animals, also has its own story.

 Today’s celebration

Many people are asking how to observe the Chinese New Year. Today’s festivities were inspired by these past stories. It is believed that properly prepared proceedings invite luck. Even the New Year meal is carefully planned. Only food or dishes that have a symbolic harmonious meaning or appearance are served and prepared in a certain matter. For example, chicken, including the head, are served whole. Serving a chicken whole is symbolic of a family’s unity. Noodles are served during the end of the New Year meal because long noodles are symbolic to a long life.

 During this time of the year, regardless if they are Chinese or not, you’ll also hear many people use Chinese New Year Greetings to welcome the New Year.

 On this Year of the Snake, knowing a little history about this celebration is a good way to start the New Year. Now, while joining the New Year celebration, you’ll have better understanding of it as well.

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