Forget wimpy noise makers - the way to welcome in the Chinese New Year is with a bang. And sparks. Fireworks are not just for July 4th! The Chinese believe that letting off fireworks at the front door of the home scares away evil spirits and paves the way for an auspicious beginning to the new year. The Chinese New Year is a celebration of change ... out with the old and in with the new! The celebration of Chinese New Year is all about securing abundance for the upcoming year: happiness, health, togetherness, luck and prosperity.

Party favors - including custom fortune cookies and the traditional mandarin oranges - at my Chinese New Year party.

Chinese New Year began at the New Moon on February 17 and Asian communities around the world are celebrating the beginning of Year of the Boar - also referred to as the Year of the Pig (Year 4705). I meant to write about Chinese New Year in time for the 17th but I was too busy getting ready for my Chinese New Year party to write. (BTW, it rocked!)

Chinese New Year always starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year - which is why it always begins on a different day each year - and ends on the Full Moon 15 days later. The first day of the Lunar New Year is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth." 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. In the Far East, this is also the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Farmers take this opportunity to welcome spring as they plant for the new harvest. Thus, the Lunar New Year is also called the Spring Festival.

San Francisco hosts the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside of Asia, which will be culminating on Saturday with their Chinese New Year Parade. The San Francisco Chronicle is a great source for information and stories about the celebration and its traditions.

The Year of the Pig will be a year of plenty and good will for all, imbued with a feeling of abundance, contentment and security. Pig Year is a time of fun and self-indulgence. Ease and enjoyment of life are valued more than power and status. We can be kinder to each other in our everyday interactions and feel little need for competition. Harmony, peace, understanding, and good fellowship drive our actions this year. People make new friends and entertain a lot, and are involved in charitable and social functions.

Business and industry thrive, but, given the Pig's indecisive nature, people may hesitate to take full advantage of opportunities presented. Professionals and the self-employed will do better this year and small business enterprises will prosper. This is a year that favors teamwork. General living standards will improve greatly and material lives will see much help from technology, gadgets, the ever-expanding communications network and easily accessible internet.

Pig Year brings about many changes: career changes, moving out of homes and offices, shifting to a new school/college, sudden change in governments, etc. Inter-country immigrations will rise drastically. It is a great year for traveling. Pig Year is also a good year for marriage and child bearing. Ruled by feminine Yin energy, Pig Year is an especially auspicious year for women.

A kumquat tree, a leafy pomelo and red money packets represent prosperity and good fortune in the Chinese New Year.

The tolerant, sensual and indulgent Pig fills everyone with a sense of well-being, extravagance, generosity and chivalry. Life is for living, and living well. Money is spent on luxuries such as extravagant vacations, sumptuous meals, and fine clothing. It is easy to become content and satisfied, ignoring the bills that accumulate during Pig year. People may also find themselves regretting impulsive acts of generosity. Money will come in more easily and unexpectedly, but will ooze out porously. It is a year to be wary of excess and to exercise prudence in money matters. The following Rat Year in 2008 will be time to face reality after Pig year indulgences, so enjoy now while the enjoying is good.

Oh, and about that fertility thing. Many people believe that this is the year of the "Golden Pig" and many Asians across the world are eager to have a child born under this particularly lucky sign. According to legend, a "Golden Pig" year happens once every 600 years and children born during this year are destined for great fortune and prosperity. Most Chinese astrologers and mystics say this legend is pure bunk, but that hasn't stopped the baby race.

People born in Pig year are kind, honest, peaceful in nature and dislike arguments or conflicts. They are optimistic, fun-loving, and don’t hide their emotions. Pig people are creative and have exquisite taste in the arts. Contrary to popular misconceptions, Pig is not a slob. Pigs pay much attention to hygiene and appearances. Pigs make great friends because of their capacity for giving and forgiving.

One challenging trait for Pig people is the tendency to be overly sensual and indulgent, especially with food and drink. Being artistic, Pigs can overspend on luxuries and be impractical about reality.

Your Fortune in Pig Year

Rat
Expect a year of planning instead of achieving. Pig year is a time for Rat to rest, recoup from past losses, and maybe even join the crowd and indulge a little bit. It is best to reserve energy for next year 2008, the year of the Rat, when you start a new fortunate twelve-year life cycle.

Ox
Anticipate much activity at home and business. Ox is stimulated by extra work and succeeds. New contacts and opportunities appear throughout Pig year that are beneficial. No major difficulties are foreseen. Maybe Ox can stop working long enough to join the party and experience some fun and romance too.

Tiger
Your good fortune continues from the previous Dog year. Pig year can bring good business, wild luck, easy satisfaction, and contentment because Pig is Tiger’s dear friend. Pig’s influence brings enjoyment of the finer things in life, but be aware to not overspend or overextend. Think before you pounce and not act on impulse or whim, especially in romance. 

Hare
Expect a very very nice year because Hare is compatible with Pig (and Sheep). Appreciate the good times, experience emotional security, and feel social contentment. Hare is less nervous and edgy. A good year for marriage or having children. But keep your business expectations low, and accomplishments may be negligible, because Hare would rather enjoy life. 

Dragon
Life stabilizes after the challenges of the previous Dog year. Easy travel, light entertaining, and amusing recreation are enjoyable. But caution with finances is recommended because Dragon can overspend. Work tends to be slow, mundane, and perhaps a bit frustrating. So wait until Rat year 2008 when you experience a very fortunate work cycle.

Serpent (Snake)
Accomplishments may be limited because Pig is opposite Serpent. Plans may be delayed or not manifest at all. Perhaps Serpent can enjoy the leisure and indulgence that Pig year brings, but now is time to lay low and hibernate. Avoid conflicts or lawsuits which will not end in your favor. It may be better to look forward to auspicious new beginnings in Rat year 2008 or Ox year 2009.

Horse
Enjoy the parties and passions of Pig year when you can. But Horse and Pig are very different, so Pig year could bring some uncomfortable circumstances for independent Horse. Difficulties with lazy coworkers and not-to-the-point miscommunication can delay success. And Horse could overspend on nonessential and luxuries.

Sheep
Now is one of the easiest and best years for lucky Sheep. Everything Sheep touches can turn to gold. Good fortune is seen in romance and business. Sheep could even inherit or win money. An excellent year for marriage, engagement, or having children. Take advantage of all opportunities this year.

Monkey
Expect some improvements in your life after the difficulties of the past two years. A fun year to Monkey around and have a good time. Good business advancement, travel, and possible change of resident are foreseen. Still, Monkey’s plans could be thwarted or delayed. Rat year 2008 will be far more fortunate for Monkeys in business and finance. 

Phoenix (Rooster)
Pig year is a banquet so join the feast. Lighten up when you can, stop worrying, and try to enjoy life. Your values and Pig’s values are very different so avoid arguments in general. A time to be realistic and more conservative. Anticipate extra work, some challenging responsibilities, and minor career setbacks. But dedication to a career can relieve a financial slump.

Dog
Good fortune continues from the previous Dog year. Focus turns to family concerns and friendships. Now is an auspicious time to begin new relationships and expand your circle of friends. Dog can have a great time at all the social events during Pig year. Life is good and Dog can easily enjoy a calm and peaceful Pig year.

Pig
Finally! Expect the best year of a twelve-year life cycle. Pigs benefit greatly from the energy of their own year. Good fortune is foreseen in romance, family affairs, and business endeavors. New ventures bring success. Pigs could inherit or find money. An excellent year for marriage, romance, or having a child. Luck is with you throughout the year.

Thanks to Susan Levitt for her Chinese New Year fortunes.

Posted by Angela-Eloise at 6:02 PM