Get Your Dancing shoes on!

​Winter doldrums getting you down? No wonder. The Super Bowl is over and it’s cold. Snow, rain and wind don’t make it any nicer. Plus, it’s still dark in the evening and a long way from Daylight Savings Time.

If you need a reason to party, check out Chinese New Year. Although a lot of Chinese celebrate it, the holiday is actually the Lunar New Year. People from all over Asia celebrate it, including those following the Buddha. However, the religious aspect is no longer center stage.

It occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice. You’ll be able to kick up your heels up for 15 whole days until the next full moon.

The Chinese Zodiac calendar is a bit different from what we use in the West. It consists of 12 animals. A specific animal is associated with an entire year. This year, 2019, is the Year of the Pig. Chinese philosophy suggests that it’s bad news for anyone born in these years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007. The year you meet your zodiac sign is an especially unlucky one, and you're more likely to encounter a variety of hardships.

The Lunar New Year brings a fresh start. The evening before, families will clean their homes to get rid of any ill fortune. They will then gather for a 'reunion dinner’ where they will commemorate the year that has passed. This is considered the most important meal of the year, and is often compared to Thanksgiving in the USA.
On the first day of Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, people abstain from bathing or cleaning to avoid washing away any good fortune.

They honor their elders, too. Personal visits and small gifts are part of the tradition.

Fireworks and parades conclude this great festival!

You can beat the doldrums of winter by connecting with family and celebrating the Lunar New Year. It’s TODAY, February 5, 2019. Get your dancing shoes on!

Namaste!
Mother Wilson
 
 
 

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