Chinese New Year 2012

I am getting ready for Chinese New Year. It means cleaning my home, applying Feng Shui principles, getting rid of any clutter or junk, thinking positive, getting my affairs in order in preparation of the new year to begin on Jan. 23, 2012. I usually place tangerines out with red envelopes for good luck. I make my kids organize their rooms. My husband organizes his office.Any verbal disagreements should be ket to a minimum. It is believed, how we start out the new year will be reflective of the rest of the year. A good hair trim and a new out fit is a must. The trimming of hair is symbolic of getting rid of the old and starting a with the new. I also give my kids a good luck envelope with brand new bills inside. Each year we go out to eat in a chinese restaurant and order 5 dishes. A chicken for health, fish for wealth, noodles for long life, vegetables and fried rice for good luck. The number 9 is a good luck number and eating 9 different good luck dishes is customary. However, with our family of 4, we can't possibly eat that much, so we have modified the tradition to fit our family. It is a terrible thing to waste food. It is more fun to celebrate the holiday with extended family and relatives. But when you live several states away, like I do, sometimes it just isn't possible, especially when you work and have a a family of your own. I want to create as much good luck for the coming year. "GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!" It is phoenetic spelling for,"Happy Chinese New Year!

If there is one thing I do miss, it is the cultural traditions of celebrating Chinese New Year's with my siblings. I do not know how to cook any of the authentic Chinese dishes. My my sister Bonnie prepares several days in advance the traditional foods that bring us good-luck. It is a grand feast and something I terribly miss. Everyone loves going to her home because it taste so yummy and everyone gets a chance to spread the good cheer and good luck. For infomation about the history and foods click the links.

http://chinesefood.about.com/od/chinesenewyear/a/newyearlegends.htm

http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/chinese-new-year/index.html

02/19/1904 to 02/03/1905 (Wood), 02/03/1916 to 01/22/1917 (Fire),

01/23/1928 to 02/09/1929 (Earth), 02/08/1940 to 01/26/1941 (Metal),

01/27/1952 to 02/13/1953 (Water), 02/13/1964 to 02/01/1965 (Wood),

01/31/1976 to 02/17/1977 (Fire), 02/17/1988 to 02/05/1989 (Earth),

02/05/2000 to 01/23/2001 (Metal), 01/23/2012 to 02/09/2013 (Water).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Zodiac

Dragons are independent, driven,thrill seeking, passionate, sometimes arrogant, energetic, risk-taking, does not like to ask for help and have very colorful, extroverted personalities. Some are hot-tempered and they do not forget those that cross them. Careers that are ideal for dragons allow them to be the leaders, like lawyer, entrepreneur, outside sales director, stock advisor.

Dragons like to surround themselves with luxury when possible.They are trend spotters. Their homes, the way they dress and the foods they eat are tangible measurements of how they view their own personal success. They have exquisite taste in everything. They are generous with their resources.

Those born under the year of the dragon may find this year to be really great for their businesses and careers. Those thinking of starting a new enterprise would benefit this year.

In the areas of love, a rat, monkey or rooster is compatible with a dragon. rats are practical and resourceful, the monkey is just as curious and smart like a dragon and can be a mental equal, and the rooster slows the dragon down and and ground the dragon.

Celebrities born under this sign: Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon & Courtney Cox

When I was a kid, I studied a martial arts and participated in the Llon Dance celebration with The Academy of Chinese Martial Arts School. Approximately 30 students from ages 8-60 dressed in martial arts uniforms marched to the beat of a leather drum and the clashing of cymbals, all through Boston's Chinatown. I remember it being so much fun as we celebrated each each store front or restaurant to ring in the New Year. It started at 9 am and ended about 6pm. Firecrackers were everywhere and they were so loud we had to put cotton in our ears.

The Lion Dance wards away the negative spirits in hopes of bringing good luck to the occupants. Oranges, lettuce, and Red-lucky envelopes were filled with money were placed on a plate. The oranges and lettuce were shredded by the lion as a symbol of feasting. The Lion must do a good dance dance, which symbolicly scares off any bad spirits and bad luck. Once the lion is done shredding/eating, he takes the lucky red envelope as his reward.

For those of you who may never get to see or touch the lion head, it is made of paper mache, wire, wood and beautiflul, silk fabric. It is very light weight. There are wooden cross bars, that sit on your forearms as you hold the mouth-flap to help you balance and shake the head. There is a a string you can pull to bat its eyes. There are two types of lions. The one above is a southern lion because it doesn't have a long hair mane.