Discover the Zodiac Animal of Chinese New Year 2018: Celebrate the Year of the Dog
Chinese New Year 2018 is just around the corner, and it's time to gear up for the most important celebration on the Chinese calendar. This year is the year of the dog, which means it's going to be a great year for loyalty, honesty, and unconditional love.
Are you ready to celebrate Chinese New Year like a pro? Do you know all the customs and traditions that go along with this festive occasion? Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the festivities, there's always something new to learn about Chinese New Year.
The Chinese New Year celebrations start on February 16th and last for 15 days. During this time, families come together to enjoy food, fireworks, and cultural activities. One of the most important traditions is the reunion dinner, where families gather to eat traditional dishes like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes.
Did you know that Chinese New Year is the largest annual migration of people in the world? Every year, millions of Chinese travel home to be with their families during this special time. The streets of cities and towns are filled with colorful decorations, lanterns, and banners.
If you're looking to join in the festivities, don't forget to wear red! Red is the color of luck and fortune in Chinese culture, so wearing this color during Chinese New Year will bring you good luck for the year ahead.
But it's not just about luck and fortune. Chinese New Year is also a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the future. Maybe this year you want to focus on your health, your relationships, or your career. Use the energy of Chinese New Year to set goals and aspirations for the coming year.
Of course, it wouldn't be Chinese New Year without the famous lion and dragon dances. These lively performances are meant to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. The sound of the drums and cymbals, combined with the colorful costumes and movements, make for an unforgettable experience.
If you're looking to celebrate Chinese New Year in style, be sure to check out your local Chinatown or Chinese community center. Many cities around the world have their own Chinese New Year festivities, including parades, performances, and cultural workshops.
So, are you excited for Chinese New Year 2018? Whether you're ringing in the new year with family or friends, or simply looking to enjoy the festivities, there's something for everyone during this special time.
In summary, Chinese New Year 2018 is a time for celebration, reflection, and setting intentions for the year ahead. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the festivities, there's always something new to learn and experience during this special time. So put on your red clothes and get ready to ring in the year of the dog with joy and abundance!
"Chinese New Year 2018 What Animal" ~ bbaz
Chinese New Year 2018: The Year of the Dog
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a festival celebrated by millions of people all over the world. It marks the end of winter and the start of spring and is usually celebrated between January 21st and February 20th, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2018, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 16th and will mark the beginning of the Year of the Dog.
The Legend of Chinese New Year
According to Chinese legend, a monster named Nian would attack villages on the night of New Year’s Eve. People would huddle together in fear until one day, a brave old man came up with a plan to scare Nian away. He dressed in red and set off firecrackers, which made a loud noise and scared Nian away. From then on, people would dress in red and set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve to scare away evil spirits.
The Year of the Dog
In the Chinese zodiac, each year is associated with an animal sign and the year the dog. The Chinese believe that people born in the Year of the Dog are honest, loyal, and have a strong sense of duty. They are also believed to be good listeners and are always ready to help their friends and family.
Preparing for Chinese New Year
In the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, families begin preparations such as cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and stocking up on traditional foods such as dumplings and rice cakes. It is believed that cleaning the house before the New Year will sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune.
Chinese New Year’s Eve
On Chinese New Year’s Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner. The dinner usually consists of traditional dishes such as fish, dumplings, and spring rolls. After the meal, families typically watch the CCTV New Year's Gala on television, which is watched by millions of people across China.
Red Envelopes
During Chinese New Year, it is customary to give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults. The red color symbolizes good luck and fortune, while the money is believed to bring happiness and prosperity in the new year.
The Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations and takes place on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. People go out and admire lanterns in various shapes and sizes and eat sweet rice balls called tang yuan.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time for family, food, and festivities. It is a time to look back on the past year and to look forward to the new one with hope and happiness. As we enter the Year of the Dog, let us embrace the qualities of loyalty, honesty, and duty that the dog represents and use them to make the world a better place.
Chinese New Year 2018: A Comparison of the Dog and Other Zodiac Animals
Introduction
Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, marked by a variety of festive activities and celebrations. Each year is also associated with a specific animal from the Chinese zodiac, which has different character traits and symbolic meanings. In 2018, the animal for Chinese New Year is the Dog, which represents loyalty, honesty, and protection. But how does the Dog compare to other zodiac animals? Let's take a look.The Rat: Quick-Witted and Resourceful
The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese zodiac and is known for its intelligence, adaptability, and ambition. Rats are quick-witted and resourceful, often able to find solutions to problems that others overlook. However, they can also be cunning and manipulative, using their charm to get what they want. In contrast, Dogs are more straightforward and loyal, but may lack the same level of creativity and flexibility.The Ox: Steadfast and Hardworking
The Ox is a symbol of strength, dependability, and hard work. People born in the Year of the Ox are known for their steadfastness, perseverance, and practicality. They are reliable and responsible, but may also be stubborn and conservative. Dogs, on the other hand, are more flexible and adaptable, but may struggle with patience and consistency.The Tiger: Brave and Confident
The Tiger is a powerful and charismatic animal that embodies bravery, confidence, and leadership. Those born in the Year of the Tiger are known for their courage, ambition, and independent spirit. They are unafraid to take risks and are not easily intimidated. However, Tigers can also be impulsive and selfish, whereas Dogs are more cooperative and team-oriented.The Rabbit: Gentle and Artistic
The Rabbit is a gentle and artistic animal that symbolizes peace, harmony, and beauty. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are known for their kindness, creativity, and sensitivity. They value relationships and strive to create a harmonious environment. While Dogs also value relationships and loyalty, they may be more guarded and less in touch with their emotions.The Dragon: Dynamic and Ambitious
The Dragon is a dynamic and ambitious animal that represents power, authority, and success. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are known for their creativity, charisma, and leadership skills. They have a strong sense of purpose and are not afraid to speak their minds. However, Dragons can also be arrogant and self-centered, whereas Dogs are more grounded and humble.The Snake: Mysterious and Intuitive
The Snake is a mysterious and intuitive animal that symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are known for their intelligence, perceptive nature, and ability to adapt to change. They are often introspective and enjoy deep conversations. Dogs, on the other hand, may be more practical and action-oriented.The Horse: Free-Spirited and Adventurous
The Horse is a free-spirited and adventurous animal that embodies energy, creativity, and freedom. Those born in the Year of the Horse are known for their enthusiasm, optimism, and love of travel. They are not easily tied down and enjoy exploring new horizons. Dogs may find it difficult to keep up with Horses' fast pace and risk-taking tendencies.The Sheep: Gentle and Artistic
The Sheep is a gentle and artistic animal that symbolizes kindness, compassion, and creativity. People born in the Year of the Sheep are known for their soft-spoken nature, artistic talents, and love of beauty. They value harmony and peace and are often generous and caring. Dogs may be more practical and strategic in their approach to life.The Monkey: Witty and Inventive
The Monkey is a witty and inventive animal that represents intelligence, creativity, and playfulness. Those born in the Year of the Monkey are known for their cleverness, curiosity, and sense of humor. They enjoy learning new things and are skilled at solving problems. However, Monkeys can also be mischievous and unpredictable, whereas Dogs are more reliable and consistent.The Rooster: Confident and Outspoken
The Rooster is a confident and outspoken animal that embodies clarity, honesty, and passion. People born in the Year of the Rooster are known for their analytical skills, communication abilities, and strong sense of justice. They are not afraid to speak their minds and may appear boastful at times. Dogs, however, may value stability and harmony over speaking out against injustice.The Dog: Loyal and Protective
As mentioned earlier, the Dog is the animal for Chinese New Year 2018 and represents loyalty, honesty, and protection. Dogs are known for their unwavering devotion to friends and family, as well as their strong moral compass and sense of justice. They are compassionate, selfless, and have a keen sense of intuition. However, Dogs may struggle with self-doubt and anxiety, whereas other zodiac animals may be more confident and outgoing.Conclusion
In conclusion, each animal in the Chinese zodiac has its own unique characteristics and strengths. The Dog, as the animal for Chinese New Year 2018, represents loyalty and protection, but may also experience doubts and anxieties. Other zodiac animals, such as the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, and Rooster, each have their own qualities that may be admired or challenging. Ultimately, however, each person must find their own path in life and embrace their individuality and strengths.Chinese New Year 2018: The Year of the Dog
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional holiday in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls in late January or early February. Each year is associated with one of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals and 2018 is the Year of the Dog.The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac
According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited twelve animals to a race and the order in which they finished the race determined the order of the zodiac cycle. The dog finished in eleventh place because he stopped to help another competitor, an act of kindness that earned him a place among the zodiac animals.Traits of the Dog
People born in the Year of the Dog are said to have certain traits associated with the dog such as loyalty, sincerity, and intelligence. They are also known to be good listeners and great problem-solvers. Dogs enjoy spending time with family and friends and are very social creatures.Celebrations Around the World
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but also in many other parts of the world. Countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia also celebrate the holiday with various traditions. In the United States and Canada, Chinatown areas hold parades, fireworks displays, and cultural events.New Year's Eve Dinner
The New Year's Eve dinner is one of the most important parts of Chinese New Year celebration. It is a time for families to reunite and share a delicious meal together. Traditional dishes include dumplings, fish, spring rolls, and rice cakes. Each dish has a special meaning and symbolizes good luck, wealth, and prosperity.Lucky Red Envelopes
Red envelopes, also known as hongbao in Mandarin, are a common New Year's tradition. The envelopes are filled with money and given to children by their elders. The red color is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.Spring Festival Gala
The Spring Festival Gala is a special TV program broadcasted on Chinese New Year's Eve. It features various performances such as dance, singing, and acrobatics. It is one of the most-watched TV programs in China and has become a beloved part of the holiday tradition.Temple Fairs
Temple fairs are held in many cities and villages during the holiday. They are a place for people to buy traditional handicrafts, enjoy street food, and participate in different cultural activities. The fairs are usually held in or near temples, where people pray for good fortune and blessings.Fireworks
Fireworks are an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. They symbolize joy and happiness, and are believed to scare away evil spirits. In some cities, fireworks are banned due to safety concerns, but many places still allow them.Conclusion
The Year of the Dog promises to bring loyalty, sincerity, and intelligence to those born under its sign. With traditions ranging from the New Year's Eve dinner to temple fairs, Chinese New Year is a time for families and friends to come together, celebrate, and hope for a bright and prosperous year ahead.Chinese New Year 2018: The Year of the Dog
If you are a fan of Chinese culture, you know that Chinese New Year is a very important occasion. The lunar calendar is used to determine the date of this holiday. In 2018, Chinese New Year is celebrated on February 16th, and it marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog. This annual event is observed by millions of people around the world, and the celebrations last for up to two weeks.
The Year of the Dog has a deep meaning in Chinese culture. Dogs are seen as loyal and friendly animals that can bring joy and positivity. In Chinese astrology, the dog is considered a symbol of good fortune, and people born in the year of the dog are believed to have certain personality traits.
For many Chinese people, Chinese New Year is the time to honor their ancestors, pay respect to the gods, and get rid of unlucky elements from the past. During this holiday, families gather together, exchange gifts, and share traditional meals. Fireworks, dragon dances, and red decorations are an integral part of the celebrations.
Preparing for Chinese New Year involves a lot of hard work and dedication. Houses must be cleaned from top to bottom, debts must be paid off, new clothes must be purchased, and lucky foods such as oranges, dumplings, and fish must be prepared. Red envelopes containing money are given to children during the holiday.
One of the most interesting customs during Chinese New Year is the use of traditional greetings. People use greetings such as “Gong Xi Fa Cai” which means “Congratulations and Prosperity”, or “Xin Nian Kuai Le” which means “Happy New Year”. It is also common to give gifts during this season, such as tea sets, calligraphy, and coins with lucky symbols on them.
The Year of the Dog is associated with the element Earth, which means that it will be a year characterized by stability and grounding. It is believed that this year will be a good time for people to focus on their relationships, careers, and health. People born in the year of the dog are said to be loyal, honest, and kind.
Chinese New Year celebrations in different parts of the world can vary in terms of customs and traditions. In mainland China, the holiday is celebrated for seven days, while in other countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, it can last up to 15 days. Chinese communities around the world also hold parades and festivals to commemorate the occasion.
For many people, Chinese New Year is not just about the festivities – it is also a time for reflection and renewal. The end of one year marks the beginning of another, and it is an opportunity to set new goals and ambitions. As we move into the Year of the Dog, it is important to remember the values of loyalty, honesty, and kindness, and to reflect on how we can embody these traits in our lives.
In closing, I would like to wish all of my readers a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year. May the Year of the Dog bring you joy, success, and good fortune!
People Also Ask about Chinese New Year 2018: What Animal?
What is Chinese New Year 2018?
Chinese New Year 2018 is the most important traditional festival in China. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and falls on February 16, 2018.
What animal represents Chinese New Year 2018?
The animal that represents Chinese New Year 2018 is the Dog, specifically the Earth Dog. This is because in Chinese astrology, every year is associated with a zodiac animal and one of the five elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth). The last time we saw the Earth Dog was in 1958.
What are some traditional practices during Chinese New Year 2018?
Some traditional practices during Chinese New Year 2018 include:
- Decorating homes and streets with red lanterns, banners, and couplets
- Cleaning the house before New Year's Day to remove bad luck from the previous year
- Eating dumplings, rice cakes, fish, and other lucky foods
- Giving red envelopes containing money (called Hongbao in Mandarin) to children and unmarried adults for good luck
Are there any taboos during Chinese New Year 2018?
Yes. There are some taboos during Chinese New Year 2018, such as:
- Avoid saying negative words, such as death, illness, or anything related to bad luck
- Avoid breaking things, as it is believed to bring bad luck
- Avoid sweeping the floor during the first few days of the New Year as it is believed to sweep away good luck
- Avoid borrowing or lending money, as it is believed to lead to financial problems in the future