Gong Xi Fa Cai

 

Chinese New Year is here (Feb 7)!!! Many Chinese travel back to their home village for these celebrations. The boys and I went out yesterday (Feb 7) and found many of the stores closed. Tonight (Feb 8) even more restaurants and stores are closed. In the areas we have been, it feels deserted ... which is a strange feeling here!!

 

Chinese New Year

We will bid farewell to the Year of the Fire Boar and welcome the Year of the Earth Rat on Feb 7, 2008.

Astrologers historically devised the lunar calendar around 300BC, during the rule of Emperor Yao, for farmers to know when to plant crops and harvest them. Based on the phases of the moon, the Chinese New Year occurs between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, usually during mid-January to mid-February of the Gregorian calendar.

According to legend, a monster threatening the Yellow River civilization disliked noise, light and the color red. The beast fled when lion dancers performed to the beat of drums, gongs and when the village homes were lit brightly and with many objects painted red.

(Info above written by: Rosemary Chin, Art Specialist, Melawati Campus, ISKL)

May the Year of the Rat bring you and yours peace, health and wealth.

Rats at IKEA!!!!

I found rats at IKEA. These are for decoration! (Chinese New Year)

Chinese New Year is coming up!!!

The good thing about living in Malaysia is that we celebrate everything and get days of from work and school. The New Chinese Year will start on the 7th of February. This year is the year of the Pig and next year is going to be the year of the Rat.

Interested in the Chinese Zodiac signs?

 

	Year	Sign	Description
Andrew	1995	Pig	You are a splendid companion, an intellectual with a very strong need to set difficult goals and carry them out. You are sincere, tolerant, and honest but by expecting the same from others, you are incredibly naive. Your quest for material goods could be your downfall. The Pig would be best in the arts as an entertainer, or possible a lawyer.
Ann	1960	Rat	You are imaginative, charming, and truly generous to the person you love. However, you have a tendency to be quick-tempered and overly critical. You are also inclined to be somewhat of an opportunist. Born under this sign, you should be happy in sales or as a writer, critic, or publicist.
Christoffer	1992	Monkey	You are a vary intelligent and a very clever wit. Because of your extraordinary nature and magnetic personality, you are always well-liked. The Monkey, however, must guard against being an opportunist and distrustful of other people. Your sign promises success in any field you try.
Jonas	1958	Dog	The Dog will never let you down. Born under this sign you are honest, and faithful to those you love. You are plagued by constant worry, a sharp tongue, and a tendency to be a fault finder, however. You would make an excellent businessman, activist, teacher, or secret agent.