February 10 is Chinese New Year, and 2013 heralds the Year of the Snake. AGI gives you the low-down on how to celebrate, what the snake signifies, and what the year holds for business prospects
he Chinese New Year is an extremely significant day for Chinese people across the world. It is the longest and most important festival in the Chinese calendar. In China, it is also traditionally referred to as the ‘Spring Festival’, since according to the Chinese calendar, it also heralds in the spring season.
The Lunisolar Chinese Calendar
Dates on the lunisolar calendar indicate both the phase of the moon and the time of the solar year. Like most East Asian cultures, the Chinese also follow a lunisolar calendar; hence the Chinese New Year is also known as the ‘Lunar New Year’.
The Chinese (Animal) Zodiac
Unlike Western zodiac signs, the Chinese zodiac is represented by animals. Each year of the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, and goes according to a 12-year cycle. The animals of the zodiac are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
2013 – The Year of the Snake
2013 is Year of the Snake or the Water Snake. According to Chinese astrology, each of the five elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth) corresponds with an animal from the zodiac calendar. The snake relates to the element of water.
According to ancient Chinese wisdom, a snake in the house is an indication of good luck. 2013 is therefore believed to be a good year in general, in all aspects of life, from relationships to career.
What the Year of the Snake Means for Business in 2013?
Snakes are considered good mediators; hence those born in the years of the snake are considered to be astute and perceptive in business. Snake personalities are intelligent and intuitive, qualities essential to succeed in business. Some are even believed to be shrewd and calculating, especially in financial matters, plotting to ensure things work out according to plan. Water Snakes are influential and insightful, and good at managing people and are hence seen as beneficial to businesses. Achieving goals and success is extremely important for the snake personality.
Taking the characteristics of the snake into account, 2013 is believed to be a good year for career and business opportunities. However, those born in the years of the snake should be cautious as there is a chance they could become complacent thinking things will go their way since this is their year.
How to celebrate Chinese New Year: Traditions
Besides China, Chinese New Year is also celebrated in countries with a significant Chinese population and in Chinatowns around the world. The largest celebrations outside Asia take place in London.
There are a number of traditions and superstitions associated with this day. The colour red is considered to bring good luck, hence houses are decorated with red lanterns and ornaments. Red is also believed to scare away evil forces.
Another custom is for elders in the family to gift money to children in a red envelope. Houses are thoroughly cleansed to symbolically wash away all ill-fortune and make way for good luck in the new year. Families gather for dinner on the Eve of the new year and feast on pig, duck and the traditional New Year’s Cake Nian gao, which is made from rice.
Lion dances (a customary dance in Chinese culture where performers wear lion costumes and mimic a lion’s movements) and fireworks are all part of the festivities, which conclude with the popular Lantern Festival.
Kung Hei Fat Choi (that’s Happy New Year) in advance!
Read about how the world’s biggest cities celebrate the Chinese New Year in Part II of this series tomorrow
