Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is one of the all-important Chinese holidays! Most Chinese people go home to celebrate this day together with family. The Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival. The celebration starts well with paying off debts, a clean house and new clothes. The Chinese New Year is full of fireworks, dragon and lion dances.
The Chinese New Year begins every year between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. If you are going to travel, during this period then it is helpful to make reservations because it can be crowded. All people in China have time off then.
The Chinese zodiac
Instead of months, the Chinese zodiac is based on the year of birth. Each year is related to an animal sign according to a 12-year cycle. The 12 animals are in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
Why are the animals in this order? According to a myth, the Jade Emperor said that the order is the order of arrival at the Jade Emperor's feast. The Ox had left the night before and would be first. The Tiger would arrive early the next morning and be second. The Rat had sneaked up on the Os and jumped off the Os when he caught sight of the Jade Emperor. This put the Ox and Tiger in second and third place. The fourth to arrive was the Rabbit, who is named as “proud - even a tad arrogant - of his speed. When the Rabbit arrived at the party, no one was there yet, so he decided to take a nap and came in fourth.
In 2024-2025, it is the year of the Wooden Dragon! The Dragon is known as a powerful symbol in Chinese culture. It is the only mythical animal in the Chinese zodiac and is often associated with luck, power and charisma. Wood represents nature, growth, expansion and renewal. Combined with the Dragon, which stands for strength and vitality. This may start to be a year of development. Progress with new initiatives, start-ups, technological innovations and sustainability innovations. It is the year of action! This applies specifically to the Dragon. You are Dragon if you were born in 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 or you will be born next year.
In 2025-2026, it is the year of the Wooden Serpent! The Serpent is known to be mysterious and subtle. The Serpent brings an elegant and sophisticated influence. The Serpent is known for wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, intuition and creativity. Snakes are also characterized by luck, abundance, fertility and long life. Snakes shed their skin and renew themselves, representing rebirth and transformation. Snakes are also known for their negatives such as deception, jealousy and temptation. Snakes are enemies of the Dragon and Tiger. Snakes can be poisonous and their bite can lead to death. You are Snake if you were born in: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025. The 2025 Wooden Snake is charming, intelligent and creative, as well as secretive and sometimes reckless. The year of the Wooden Serpent is going to be a year full of potential, innovation and possibilities. Use the positive sides of the Serpent, wisdom and intuition.