In case you haven't noticed, the Chinese New Year's Eve falls on a weekend this year. So this Sunday, family and friends, Chinese, Asians or simply folks who love the Chinese tradition of fun would gather to usher in the year of the Male Water Dragon.
The Chinese Zodiac
Unlike the Western version, the Chinese zodiac signs are named after animals. One ancient legend goes that Buddha once summoned all the animals to participate in a race and only 12 animals showed up. They are thus rewarded by having each year named after them in a 12-year cycle. Other myths explain why some animals didn't make it in the list or why the pig came last on the list.
Unlike the western horoscope, your sign is determined by the year you were born and not the month and date. However, if you were born in late January or February, you have to double check if your birthdate actually falls in the preceding year instead. This odd way of confusing Aquarians (Jan 21st-Feb 19th) is due to the Chinese Lunar Calendar.
Chinese Cuisine
Whether you prefer the western horoscope, view astrology as a juvenile pastime or even consult both horoscopes to check if you're really compatible with your partner, Chinese New Year entails good food for good luck. It's rare for someone not to enjoy Chinese cuisine.
What's not to like? If you're not fortunate enough to live near a Chinatown, you might find a nearby Chinese Restaurant that would present a Dragon dance as you partake of a Chinese feast.
Better yet, you could make your own Chinese feast at home. At this time of the year, Asian stores across the world will be packed with customers planning their home-cooked meals. Exotic dishes such as dimsum and hopia may look complicated to make to Westerners, but are second nature to Eastern Asian immigrants who want nothing more than a taste of home.
In the Philippines, for example, it is not uncommon for Filipino families to bring home a red box of Tikoy, a Chinese Bean pudding. Just slice it into thin slabs, dip these in egg batter and deep fry. Or if you happen to live in Cincinnati and the nearest Asian market has just sold out its last box of tikoy, you could make it yourself using ingredients stocked in your basement pantry.
Chinese New Year Traditions Aside from Food
Hand out red envelopes (hong bao in Mandarin) on New Year's Day to wish each other luck. Money value inside varies, of course. Deck the house with colorful Chinese paper lanterns and cutouts. Dress in red and polka dot designs which symbolize money. Serve round fruits such as tangerines. And to top the festivities, how about some fireworks? After all, these noisemakers originated in China too.
Maria Acebes-Dunaway - Maria Paz V. Acebes-Dunaway Residence: Cleves, Ohio Occupation: Registered Nurse Birthplace: Manila, Philippines Writing ...
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