Musings: Happy Chinese New Year! #YearoftheDog
“Happy New Year, I wish you good health and lasting prosperity. Gōnghè xīnxǐ, zhù shēntǐ jiànkāng, shìyè fādá.” Traditional greetings
Musings: Happy Chinese New Year! #YearoftheDog
For thousands of years, a twelve-year cycle named after various real or mythological animals has been used in Southeast Asia. This twelve-year cycle, sometimes referred to as the “Chinese zodiac,” associates each year in turn with a certain creature, in a fixed order of twelve animals, after which it returns to the first in the order, the Rat. The eleventh in the cycle is the Dog.
One account is that the order of the beings-of-the-year is due to their order in a racing contest involving swimming across a river, in the so-called Great Race. The reason for the Dog finishing the race second from last despite generally being a talented swimmer is explained as being due to its playful nature: the Dog played and frolicked along the way, thus delaying completing the course and reaching the finishing line.
As of 2012, the next Year of the Dog in the Chinese calendar is February 16, 2018 to February 4, 2019 (Year of the Yang Earth Dog). The personalities of people born in Dog years are popularly supposed to share certain attributes associated with Dogs, such as loyalty or exuberance; however, this would be modified according to other considerations of Chinese astrology, such as the influences of the month, day and hour of birth… Wikipedia
Happy New Chinese New Year and Happy Year of the Dog! 新 Xīn 年 nián 快 kuài 乐 lè! Since this is the year of the venerable Earth Dog, we can add another auspicious greeting to the mix: Wish you luck in the Year of the Dog! 狗年大吉 gǒu nián dàjí. I had planned to post this on Thursday in preparation of the New Year but, as life would have it, other pressing events superseded my plans. Since my blog is still on West Coast time… (if you recall, I started this blog on the West Coast in 2008), I decided to be dog like: loyal, brave and even stubborn about following through on this planned post. You see, I’ve always been a huge fan of New year celebrations and the more the merrier. I love the fact that we can start a Western New Year on the first of January and then enjoy other cultural new year celebrations that include this one. But I digress; the year of the dog is a time for us to focus on how and what we communicate. Barking out orders or talking out of both sides of our mouth, while expecting others to treat us with integrity, are poor doglike traits to avoid at all costs. To make the commencement of this Dog year a positive experience, we must reach for the qualities of our higher self and remember that honesty, loyalty and kindness pays.
If you were born in the following years, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2030, you are a member of the Astrological Dog tribe and fall under one of five types of dogs: Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold and Water. Each has special qualities that add to the energy and style of the type and people born under the sign also exhibit some of those traits; be it sincerity, intelligence, responsibility, an eagerness to help and more. Regardless of the Dog type you fit, this year has significant influences that could help or hinder your progress. Health concerns are in the charts for dog signs so, some precaution is needed. But have no fear, Dog soul, even with the inauspicious predictions of the wise ones, there are ways you can ameliorate the negative karma tossed your way. You see, in Chinese mythology, Tai Sui, the God of Age had a beef with the time god and 2018 is not favorable in his books. But, of course, with patience and courage, all good dog quantities, you can overcome the challenges. How to change bad luck in your dog year? You can wear red gifts from loved ones, jade accessories, change your direction and be more observant with your surroundings. Honor the good around you and keep your chain of communication open and clear.
READ: HuffPost – What’s The Meaning Of Chinese New Year’s Year Of The Dog?
Chinese highlights – The Year of the Dog 2018 — Fortune, Career, Health, and Love Prospects
More Below!
“Best wishes for the holidays and happiness throughout the New Year. gōnghèxīnxǐ, wànshìrúyì.” Traditional greetings
Musings: Happy Chinese New Year! #YearoftheDog
Musings: Happy Chinese New Year! #YearoftheDog
The Mythology of The Chinese New Year
According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nian (Chinese: 年; pinyin: Nián). Nian would come on the first day of New Year to eat livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nian ate the food they prepared, it wouldn’t attack any more people. One time, people saw that the Nian was scared away by a little child wearing red. The villagers then understood that the Nian was afraid of the colour red. Hence, every time when the New Year was about to come, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. People also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nian. From then on, Nian never came to the village again. The Nian was eventually captured by Hongjun Laozu, an ancient Taoist monk. The Nian became Hongjun Laozu’s mount. Chinese New Year Wikipedia
What Important Facts Do you know about the Chinese New Year? For starters, it is the longest, most important of all the traditional Chinese holidays. It is celebrated for 15 days and is also known as the “Spring Festival,” marking the official end of the winter season. Traditionally, the New Year is a time to encourage people to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness to everyone. The biggest event on Chinese New Year’s Eve is the Reunion Dinner. People eat special foods that represent good luck; pigs, ducks, chicken, fish, and sweets and treats; Niangao, a popular Chinese New Year cake is consumed on this day. In the morning, children greet their parents by wishing them a healthy and happy new year, and receive money in red paper envelopes. The night ends with firecrackers. I love to give red envelopes and indulge my sweet tooth because hey, you only get a new year once! Every year, I share some additional information to help us all celebrate the year with vigor and good will. Here are Twelve Blessings/Sayings to Help You Celebrate Chinese New Year
金玉滿堂Jīnyùmǎntáng – “May your wealth [gold and jade] come to fill a hall”
大展鴻圖Dàzhǎnhóngtú – “May you realize your ambitions”
迎春接福Yíngchúnjiēfú – “Greet the New Year and encounter happiness”
萬事如意Wànshìrúyì – “May all your wishes be fulfilled”
吉慶有餘Jíqìngyǒuyú – “May your happiness be without limit”
竹報平安Zhúbàopíng’ān – “May you hear [in a letter] that all is well”
一本萬利Yīběnwànlì – “May a small investment bring ten-thousandfold profits”
福壽雙全Fúshòushuāngquán – “May your happiness and longevity be complete”
招財進寶Zhāocáijìnbǎo – “When wealth is acquired, precious objects follow”
歲歲平安 Suìsuì-píng’ān – “everlasting peace year after year”
新年快樂 Xīnniánkuàile – “Happy new year”
恭喜發財 Gōngxǐfācái – “Congratulations and be prosperous” 12 popular and auspicious blessings/sayings for the Chinese New Year. They consist of four Chinese characters and special blessings.
What other important steps are necessary during the 15 days of celebrations?. Always remember that dogs are loyal helpers and will work hard to make the year a productive one. I have listed 12 steps that are critical to the Chinese New Year. The first step is critical because it varies from country to country and helps families determine what to do. Here are Twelve Tips to Help You Celebrate Chinese New Year
Do research to learn about the Chinese New Year
Clean your home and prepare it in time for New Year.
Take the time to decorate your home in a festive shade of red
Offer a special sacrifice to the Kitchen God.
Hold an organized traditional dinner on New Year’s Eve
Prepare your own Chinese cuisine.
Make sure to dress up for the occasion
Engage and Interact with others in a positive manner.
Don’t forget to visit your relatives and friends.
Ward off evil by setting off firecrackers.
Attend a parade.
Say your New Year Prayers and wishes and purchase lucky charms/items for the new year. Celebrate via Wikihow.com
READ: Motivation Mondays: Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year: Quotes, Blessings And Tips…
Motivation Mondays: Chinese New Year of The Rooster
Have a peaceful and reflective weekend ahead!
This post was partly inspired by a WP Daily Post – costume – Write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt. Not sure how to participate? Here are the steps to get started.
Positive Motivation Tip: Celebrate the good and discard your limited and tired traits this year
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos, via Pixabay, AND/OR Chinese New Year via Wikipedia…
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Trackbacks
- Sweet – Wall in progress – What's (in) the picture?
- WPC: Sweet Moments | Lillie-Put
- Motivation Mondays: Lunar New Year #YearOfThePig | Mirth and Motivation
Gong xi fa cai!
Xin Nian Kuai Le
Yes, I do celebrate Chinese New Year and this year is dog of year. Hope 狗年大吉 gǒu nián dàjí will bring me lots of luck! I love how there you are still showing the traditional praying, we don’t do that anymore for the new generation.
This is a very informative post about the Chinese New Year. Even though I don’t believe in “the year of the dog” or similar phrases, I can respect that this is a tradition of others. I’ve learned more here than I ever had about this Chinese holiday.
I didn’t know much about the Chinese New Year until I read this post. Even thought I don’t believe in “the year of the dog” or similar phrases, I can respect that this is the tradition and beliefs of others.
I am not one who has done much reading on Chinese astrology and according to the year dates I don’t fall into the year of the dog but I do like the attributes associated with the dog. Your post has peeked my interest in the Chinese New Year, it’s meaning and various ways of celebration.
Always amazed with the insight, details and your positivism. Happy Chines New Year to you and your family also
I love what the Chinese New Year represents: “reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness to everyone”. I think is beautiful. I want to celebrate as well! Happy Chinese New Year!
I feel much more confident now that I actually know something about the Chinese New Year! I didn’t have an extensive – who am I kidding? basically any kind of – knowledge about it before.This post was really educational for me, I found the 12 blessings especially interesting.
I havent followed up on the Chinese Zodiac in years (since I found out I was the pig. LOL), but its really interesting how accurate the profiles are. Chinese New Year is always such a festive time. I have a friend who presented me with a red packet one year, and it was such a lovely gift!
Great post. Happy Chinese New Year to you too and wishing you prosperity for the coming year. I love all the foods.
Its good to learn so much about Chinese new year I find it so interesting when countries have their own cultural days. Need to get me a Chinese new year calendar.
I’ve never looked much into the Chinese new years symbols until this year…mainly because as a blogger I’m reading other blogs about it and definitely find it interesting! My first born was born a ‘goat’ and now my next child will be born a ‘dog’ so I’m excited about that!!
My city has lanterns for the first time this year 🙂
That is so cool. I love the celebrations but my village shows no signs of it… sadly
We’ve never really celebrated the Chinese New Year but I appreciate you sharing! I am so excited for these awesome ideas that you’ve given me!!
Kung Hei Fat Choi! We celebrate Chinese New Year back home since a large part of our community is Chinese. It’s really fun and very lively. It’s also a wonderful tradition filled with moon cakes and good food! My fondest memories would be watching the dragon dance!
I know quite a few people who were going into Chinatown today for the Chinese New Year celebration. It’s supposed to be so much fun. Welcome to the year of the dog.
Wow this taught me so much I didn’t know! I find it all very interesting. I love all the different ideas to celebrate! And the sayings are very inspirational!
Great information – I’ve always been curious about the history and significance of the Chinese new year! I did get to celebrate last year in Los Angeles, but I was mostly there for the decorations and great food 🙂
Yes, honesty, loyalty and kindness do pay. Thank-you for the information. Until now the only things I new about the Chinese were that I love most of their food and that they have their own zodiac signs.
I wish you a Happy New Year. I would love to experience all the festivities and the traditions of a typical Chinese New Year. I wish you peace and happiness.
Happy Chinese New year! In Argentina, my home country, the Chinese community is present in the Capital city, and the population (even no Chinese) believes a lot in the Chinese Zodiac! here in Switzerland where I live now, nobody cares about it.
My boyfriend is born in the year of dog, so I’ve heard of the Tai Sui year for him. That’s a nice info article about the year and for everyone who doesn’t know much about CNY
Suìsuì-píng’ān, Elizabeth! 🙂 I was excited when I realized that this year is the year of the dog, which is my year!
I am not part of year of the dog. I wasn’t aware that there were 5 types. Based on the years listed noone in my family even fall into the category either. I would like to visit a Chinese New Year celebration. I know my kids would enjoy the experience.
Although I have heard about the year of the dog, I did not know these details. It was interesting to read the story behind the Chinese New Year.
I’ve always found Chinese New Year to be so fascinating. The celebrations are always so vibrant and fun. I loved the interesting information that you discussed.
I didn’t know that you celebrate it for 15 days. I feel like its a better tradition than the celebration of New Year’s on January 1st. Its more than drinking and hard partying.
Chinese New Year has always been fascinating because of the vast ways to celebrate it! I think it’s awesome, and I can’t believe it’s celebrated for 15 days! WOW!
Love the colour red so will be happy to wear red gifts from loved ones. I shall follow the advice for the year or the dog as I need some luck this year. 🙂
I love learning about different celebrations! Sounds like his is going to be a great year!
I found the different Chinese animals for different years so interesting. It was interesting to learn more about the history behind Chinese New Year too! 🙂
Happy Chinese New Year. May all of us had a wonderful and prosperous year. I celebrate mine with my Chinese friends. That was my first time and It is a fun experience.
I love what you mentioned about what we can do during the year of the dog to improve ourselves in terms of communication. It’s good to be able to practice loyalty, honestly, and kindness this year. Chinese New Year is such an exciting time!
I just love the fabulous celebration of the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. There are so many unique traditions that make the entire event so unique. Although I am not a believer in zodiac readings or Chinese astrology, it is still interesting to read what the year holds for me. Xin Nian Kuai Le, Elizabeth!
Xin Nian Kuai Le!
I always like the crafts people come up with to celebrate Chinese New Year. My oldest son used to love this holiday the most!
Oh so true…
Happy Chinese New Year! I had no idea about all the history behind the festival and the meaning of the “year of the dog”, so this post was interesting 🙂 x
I am loving all the red decorations and good food for the Chinese New Year. With more social exposure, it is great to know about these important festivals.Great to know how it is celebrated, 15 days is indeed a long celebration time.
I love Chinese New Year. We always celebrate it at home but may be that’s because my husband lived a lot in China
Thanks for informing me about Chinese New Year. I did not know much before your made your blog post. Thanks for sharing!!
Happy Chinese New Year to you! Lovely colorful celebrations. I love the collage.
I love those blessings! Very cool. I’m a horse, 1990! I don’t think I know anyone who is a dog!
What a great post, full of information! I had no idea about the Chinese New Year, Year of the Dog or any of it! I love reading your posts because I truly learn something everytime!
Well, tank you so much Jen!
I’ve been loving reading posts about Chinese New Year.
Happy Chinese New Year to you, too! I was lucky enough to be in Singapore a couple of years ago during CNY and everywhere was decorated so beautifully. You’ve made me want to go back and see it all again!
My husband was born under the year of the dog, and we’re hoping this year will be good to in all aspects of life. Last year was quite a challenge for us, so we’re looking forward to good things this year. 🙂
And I wish him same…
I so agree… honesty, loyalty and kindness make all the difference in communicating better and working well with others. This was a great read, as I’ve always wanted to learn more about Chinese new year. Thank you!
Oh wow, that table looks great!
I love that they celebrate the start of the New Year when winter ends. It makes so much more sense because the plants have new growth and we have the first warm days of the calendar year!
This post is absolutely fascinating! I love Chinese New year, I was actually born in year of the dog — 1994!! Would really love to celebrate it in China one day! That’s one of my dreams
This was so enlightening to read, I had no idea that it was also considered the time to put grudges and differences aside, that is lovely – I think everyone should do that! I love hearing about different traditions and celebrations 🙂
True…
This is such a great post for spreading the spirit of CNY. Thanks so much for the wonderful wishes and Gong Xi Fa Cai to you too! Chinese New Year Eve, we celebrated it with hot pot for dinner or so called reunion dinner.
We love celebraing Chinese New Year but couldn’t this year 🙁 Hopefully we’ll have a big celerbration next year!
I had no idea my daughter was born in the year of the Dog! I’ll have to tell her when she wakes up. I love all this traditional stuff 🙂
I loved reading this post, great information about Chinese New Year and how to celebrate it. After reading I decided to add the blessing, ‘may your happiness be without limits,’ to my daughter’s lunch box today. Thanks for writing this!
Happy year of the dog! I love seeing everyone’s creative posts and artworks they’re making for it. x
Elizabeth, I love this – a bit of culture, mixed in with festivity! Your posts are always “on time” as far as I am concern – perfect timing. Happy New Year (and now, if it only felt like Spring … =). Blessings, xo Evelyn, Path of Presence
I really don’t know much about chines tradition. I really learnt alot from this article though. Good one!
happy Chinese new year, i haven’t been to China town in my city but i can guarantee that it probably looks amazing
My daughter’s class just studied and celebrated the Chinese New Year. I don’t know too much about it myself, but I am glad she is learning.
Very interesting. I kept seeing “the year of the dog ” all over but didn’t know what it meant. Thanks for breaking it down and explaining things.
Glad you enjoyed the post!
My mom’s parents used to be really big on celebrating Chinese New Year. They used to have a lot of food and even got the red envelopes full of money. Sounds like a really festive celebration. I can’t wait until the Year of the Pig (my year), but a dog year sounds pretty good and productive as well.
Thy all have merit… but they bring in warnings too.
I think I’m the year of the rat, which has never made me happy. Ha! 🙂
Hahaha! It’s alright. Al the animals have good and bad qualities… that is life. 🙂
We celebrated Chinese New Year last year with friends. This year we are in India for a family wedding and couldn’t celebrate. Home made dumplings are amazing.
It is amazing to learn these much about the Chinese new year, I have always found their culture fascinating. Wishing You happy and healthy new year too!
I did not even realize that Chinese New Year had passed. Thank you for sharing this. Hope that all who celebrate are filled with joy and much love and prosperity.
We also have a grand Chinese New Year here. Hope the year of the dog is a good one.
I’m glad it’s good in your area.
Wow i never knew that in the dog year also there were five types of energies which define the personality of the person born under that year…beautiful lanterns!
Yes there are… very enlightening too
Chinese New Year celebrations are so colorful, so vibrant, I just love the spectacle of red spread all over. I have witnessed many Chinese New Year festivities and enjoyed immensely.
I love how perfectly round and symmetrical the three bowls of rice are made up and placed on the table. I have always celebrated with a Chinese friend of mine, we would go out for lunch and she would tell me a little bit about the culture and the zodiac sign for that year.
I enjoy the details that go into it too… circle of life and all
An interesting read on Chinese New Year.. Loved it
I love that the Chinese people are so creative and that they carry on such deep traditions! 🙂
I have come to LOVE how the Chinese culture is so steeped in tradition. Your 12 tips to celebrate Chinese New Years are right on. Happy New Years!
I’m glad you approve!
There were no celebrations of the Chinese New Year where I live. I would love to take part in some though, as they seem so pretty, especially with all the red lantern and the great yummy food.
You can gather friends around and celebrate your way. I do
That’s so interesting, I have learnt a lot of things reading this Post Elizabeth! Here, where I live, there are no celebration for chinese new year.
Maybe next year you can start a trend … 🙂
The Chinese New Year is such an awesome holiday. I love how it’s something that the entire country basically shuts down for, giving everyone a chance to celebrate <3
this is too cool, I didn’t know the story behind it!
This was interesting learning the mythology behind the Chinese New Year. I love learning new cultural history
I really liked the decorations and all the special events for the CNY in the city (D.C.) I enjoyed your post and learning more about the mythology of the CNY.
I love the celebrations and the rich history of it too.
I think this an amazing celebration. I love all it represents and the culture of it.
For Chinese New Year we had a wonderful dinner without the usual fruitcakes. I still think the lunar calendar is the real way to determine months, but time has really carve itself into the roman calendar. I’d say, whatever time wants, it won’t stop for you so we might as well live life like everything”s precious.
So true… Glad to have you back.
so interesting! Had no idea about half of this information. We live in Vancouver where there are plenty of Lunar New Year celebrations.
Thank you for this information! I love all the decorations that come out for the cultural celebrations. But I had no idea what the year of the Dog (or other years) truly meant. I can see the traits in my family members who have the birth years for Year of the Dog. Great post!
Hahaha! You can? Cool!
Year of the Dog will be a better one for sure! I’m so glad I learned more about Chinese Zodiac sign especially for this year.
Glad you did too…
Happy Lunar New Year! What year is it this year?
Happy Chinese Year! Good luck to those born on year of the dog.
Fascinating post especially well timed with the Beijing Olympics. Never knew the spring festival correlation
I love learning new cultures and Chinese is definitely fascinating. I love how they celebrate their holidays and their family traditions
Hhhhmmmm….it is nice to know about what comes with being born in the year of the dog! I was born in 93 and so miss out on this privilege!
Yes, we celebrate Chinese New Year too! I agree with you that it is important to clean our home to prepare. That’s actually our top priority as a family. It is the best time to let go of the negativities.
I love that list of blessings! It is fun to learn about this lunar year. I can’t think of any family members offhand that are Year of the Dog.