Our New Year has already begun, but for billions of people, the traditional New Year has not yet started. The Chinese New Year (or Spring Festival) starts on February 19th of this year, and it happens to be the Year of the Goat. In Chinese culture, each year represents a different zodiac sign on a twelve year cycle. If your zodiac sign is the Goat (based on the year you were born: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015), you are predicted to have a great year in 2015. The Chinese New Year decorations will all reflect the Goat, the lucky colors (brown, red, purple), the lucky numbers (2, 7), and the lucky flowers (carnation, primrose).
Year of the Goat
If you believe in astrology (or simply find it interesting), there are some wonderful things in store for Goats this year. First of all, those born in the year of the Goat are supposed to maintain good health. They are usually in great mental and emotional health, which translates to their physical health. Even otherwise, Goats are said to be some of the calmest, most level-headed of the zodiac signs, so this serenity bodes well for those lucky people! Goats will also thrive in their romantic relationships, but they need to beware financial loss in 2015. Strive to decrease your spending and live within your means, and you'll be just fine.
Chinese New Year Traditions
Chinese New Year is a huge celebration that almost seems like a combination of Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Fourth of July all in one! It iscelebrated with feasts, visits to friends and family, fireworks, gift-giving, and elaborate costumes and decorations. It is the single most important social and economical holiday in China, so they pull out all the stops. Some traditional food that is served on this holiday are dumplings and glutinous rice pastries. The Chinese accept January 1st as the official New Year, but they still celebrate the Chinese New Year to honor tradition and enjoy themselves.
How to Celebrate Chinese New Year
If you want to participate in the festivities, there are many ways you can do so. The first tradition is not the most fun one; it involves cleaning the whole house to prepare for the new year. This may be a good excuse to get a head start on your spring cleaning! After your house is spick and span, you can begin decorating your house with red lanterns and couplets, New Year's paintings (flowers, birds, anything that portrays best wishes), and images of the Goat. One of the most important aspects of the celebration is the feast, so gather your friends and family together for a delicious, home-cooked meal. You can make some typical Chinese recipes if you want, or you may choose to start your own feast traditions.
