Happy Chinese New Year!

Year of the goat / sheep! The goat is a symbol of warmth, understanding, creativity and untidiness… I’m all for that.

• For good luck, the house should be cleaned before New Year Eve. *Whoops*
• You should try to repay your debts by this time. *Done*
• If you haven’t taken a shower, don’t bother. Doing so washes away your good luck. *Ok… But I’ll shower first thing tomorrow! *
• It’s a lucky sign to hear a song bird, red-colored bird, or a swallow. *Hmm.Any cardinals or red parrots around? *
• Do not use scissors as this may cut off your fortune. *No razors for me today! *
• Wear red for fortune and prosperity, do not wear white.
• The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year.

While many Chinese people today may not believe in these do’s and don’ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced. These traditions and customs are kept because most families realize that it is these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide continuity with the past and provide the family with an identity.

The first day of the Lunar New Year is “the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth.” Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the new year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.

On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.

The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law.

The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck.

On the sixth to the 10th day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health.

The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.

On the eighth day the Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.

The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor.

The 10th through the 12th are days that friends and relatives should be invited for dinner. After so much rich food, on the 13th day you should have simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse the system.

The 14th day should be for preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which is to be held on the 15th night.

A year ago – moon/Menstruation connection(or not), dreamy-dreams, elephant talk, pictures, including Newt in a box. Man lives in an airport for 11 years, cousin stuff

Two Years ago – Got Birthday arranged to be off, dreams, schedule, shrunken head apples, my first b-day card