The Chinese New Year history is a very rich, colourful and diverse one. Spiritual preparations tend to begin a month from the date of the Chinese New Year as Chinese houses are cleaned from top to bottom, to sweep away traces of bad luck and furthermore doors and windowpanes are given a new coat of red paint. A few days before the doors and windows are then decorated with paper cuts and couplets with themes such as happiness, wealth and longevity printed on them.
Chinese New Year is known as the Spring Festival because it starts from the beginning of spring (the first of the twenty four terms coordination with the changes in nature).
Lots of people question “Why does the Chinese New Year use elements?” and are also particularly inquisitive about all the animals within the Chinese horoscopes. It stems back from in the Shang Dynasty, people believe that there were ten heavenly suns, each associated with a concept of yin and yang and the five natural elements which consists of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on New Year. Only twelve animals came, and Buddha named a year after each one.
The correct order is Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog and Boar. Each of the animals also represents your own self, your personality, your way of living and perceiving life and of course the compatibility with other signs. Buddha also declared that the people born in each animal’s year would have some of that animal’s personality.
This year, in 2012, the Chinese New Year is on the January 23rd and it is the year of the Water Dragon. All new babies born in this year will be very lucky for the whole of the family. Those born in dragon years are innovative, brave and passionate. They are viewed to be born under a lucky star and are viewed to be powerful and hotheaded at the same time. Famous dragons include Bruce Lee, Joan of Arc, John Lennon, Salvador Dali, Orlando Bloom, Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock and Mary-Louise Parker.
What does the year mean for everyone?
The year of the Dragon is for those who are grateful for the spiritual, psychic and angelic dimension in their life. The Dragon is ruled by water and it is highly likely to bring fortune to the financial and business sides of life due to the fact back in ancient times water signified the flow of trade and information. In the area of love, it could be hit or miss and this is due to the fact that the dragon is unpredictable in matters of the heart.
What effect does the year of the Dragon have for all of the signs?
Rat
The Rat and the Dragon make a perfect couple. The influence of the Dragon makes it a good year for the rat especially in the area of love and romance. Furthermore good and significant friendships are starred so now is the year to get out, socialise, social network and to party!!!
Dragon
A very significant year where it is either the dragons can make their year the best possible or it could be a challenging year for you. Luckily enough dragons love to rise to a challenge so you will be pretty busy throughout this New Year. A career change is possible this year bringing an increase in finances.
Tiger
This is the time to expand your local environment. This could mean a possible house-move or maybe an extension of some kind in your existing home. Being a tiger means you like roam around freely and need lots of space!!! Finances look good if you make the most of the opportunities that come your way.
Horse
The dragon year encourages the Horse to bring out the strong business side in you such as capability, efficiently and productivity but you also need to work on your persuasive skills, as others are not sure of your direct approach as you may come across tactless and even abrupt. Remember horses are naturally graceful so it’s best to tap into this quality. If you do this in all your areas of your life you may find a few interesting options in love.
Monkey
The year of the Dragon is the year you decide to broaden your horizons and aim high to achieve your ambitions. If this means further studying to obtain an extra qualification this is the year to undertake it. Travel is starred as well as embracing new cultures and ways of living.
Dog
You are going on an inner spiritual journey this year and this will spiritually, emotionally and mentally expand your horizons. You will discover that you are expanding your wisdom and knowledge base, especially in the field of spirituality and psychology. You may find that you want a quieter social life this year and quality rules over quantity in terms of friendships.
Ox
This New Year is a good one for you where you are keeping all areas of your life in balance. Your main focus is on long term ambitions though there will be some up and coming successes in your current job if you continue to work hard as you have been doing so. It’s also important that you let your hair down and have some fun throughout the year.
Rabbit
On the whole you are always busy and this year is no different where you are hopping here and there. It is important that you don’t get distracted and you try to stick to your original goals and objectives rather than chopping and changing them last minute. You got plenty of work to be getting on with but it is best to avoid getting involved in work politics, as this will prove unproductive.
Snake
This year is all about ensuring your giving and receiving are pretty much equal. In the last few years you have given too much and now is the time to obtain equilibrium. As the Dragon is ruled by water, this element will help you to harmonise existing relationships as well as create new ones. A new job or promotion is possible so go for it.
Goat
You are pretty inspired, thanks to the dragon influence, to start afresh or undertake a new initiative. You have a natural knack of making money. If you use this wisely this will bring positive new energy and opening doors with new opportunities for you to explore and expand. This is the year to express your creativity and this will lead to success.
Rooster
A good year is starred for you if you make the most of the opportunities that come your way. A new image is starred for you and it is very important that you are constantly networking, social networking and tweeting throughout this exciting year. Others will be impressed and you will receive approval from the movers and shakers around you. Love looks good so don’t give up you single roosters out there.
Pig
Your good fortune continues to rain down on you so now is the time to make the most of it. You living in a bubble right now but you feel that the bubble might burst any second. You need to start thinking more on a positive level and remember the law of attraction? Just remember positivity breeds’ positivty. Now is the time to enjoy the fun and happy times.