A Chinese proverb states that all creations are reborn on New Year's day. 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.

Yesterday was the first day of the Chinese Year of the Rat. Chinese New Year begins on the first New Moon after the Winter Solstice. Bye, bye piggie; hello rattie!

This is a good time to take a look around your home and take efforts to enhance and stimulate positive energy flow. Bring in flowers and live plants to create beauty. Do a thorough cleaning and eliminate clutter. Make sure that the first thing you see when you enter your home is inviting, clean and inspiring. It's also the time to associate with people who will bring you joy and focus your energy on things that will bring you good fortune.

According to my friend, astrologer Susan Levitt:

Rat year is a time of plenty, bringing abundance and good fortune. During this auspicious year, Rat's prosperity can influence everyone, and is especially lucky for those born in Rat, Dragon, and Monkey years.

Expect a powerful year when people are firm about their goals, passions, and aspirations. Although there may be fluctuations in world economies, it is an excellent time to start a business, buy property, invest in long-term plans, or accumulate wealth. Ventures begun in the Rat year will prosper if well prepared, but it is not a time for foolish risks. Rat loves the pack, so this year is also a time for socializing, entertaining, and enjoying ourselves.

Those born in Rat year (1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1996, 2008) have a natural ability to be successful because Rat is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Rats are smart, sharp, clever, humorous, creative, curious, witty, industrious, and frugal. Rats can pinch pennies and be real bargainers. Some translations refer to Rat as mouse, which can be misleading; Rat's personality is rarely mousy or meek. Rats can be easily adapt to different environments and survive against all odds. Their charm and quick wit win admiration wherever they go. They are very observant, quick to take action, are popular in social circles, and are good organizers. Rats have a talent for the arts, especially writing.

Be sure to check out Susan's website to find out what your individual fortune for Rat Year is.

As a Sheep, Rat year can be promising for me as long as I don't take any big risks or stray too far from my current path. For us Sheep, Susan says: "...business improves, debts can be paid, and no huge problems are foreseen. Strive to create a family and home life that is balanced, calm, and healthy." I may need to be a bit more frugal this year, but I think this advice fits well into the goals that I've set for myself.

Of course, this is one of the times of the year when I particularly miss San Francisco. As one might expect, Chinese New Year is a very big holiday there, with a multitude of festivals and celebrations that started early this month and culminate in the Chinese New Year parade and street fair on February 23rd. (SFGate has the scoop.) If I can swing it, I just might make it out there this year for the parade.

The Southwest Airlines float makes its way down Market Street (Chinese New Year Parade 2007). Chronicle photo by Christina Koci Hernandez.

Kung Hey Fat Choi!

Posted by Angela-Eloise at 10:38 AM