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Monday 4 February 2019

Chinese New Year 2019 : Tuesday 5th February

If one New Year isn't enough, millions of people will be looking ahead to the next big celebration. Chinese New Year will be celebrated across the globe and takes place on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.


image from google

If you're wondering why it is different to the traditional UK date which starts on January 1, it is because Chinese New Year marks the start of the lunar year whereas here we use the 'Gregorian' calendar. Sounds a tad confusing but simply, the date of the Chinese New Year follows the start of a new moon, which is why the date changes each year but it usually falls between January 21 and February 20. Though the Gregorian calendar is more widely used, in China the lunar calendar still has its place. 

The Chinese New Year, which is also known as the Spring Festival, falls in line with the Chinese Zodiac which runs in a 12 year cycle. Twelve animals represent each year: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. And each one has its own characteristics just like the zodiac signs. 

So, 2019 is the Year of the Pig and in Chinese culture, pigs represent good fortune. Here are the different signs of the Chinese Zodiac for when you were born and what they mean:




Pig 
As mentioned above, 2019 marks the year of the pig - oink oink - but it also applies to those born in 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959 and 1947. 
Those born in in the year of the twelfth zodiac are said to be friendly and relaxed, rarely lose their temper. 
For pigs, their lucky numbers are two, five and eight and yellow, grey and brown are their lucky colours. But if all is to be believe, pigs are in for an unlucky year in 2019. 
Rat 
The first animal of the zodiac is the Rat. Doesn't sound so appealing but characteristics include being clever, quick thinkers and successful. The year of the Rat applies to those born in 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008. 
Ox 
Hard workers, intelligent and reliable, it's all praise for the Ox even if they never demand it. If you're born in 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 or 2009 - this applies to you. Blue, yellow and green are lucky colours for the Ox. 
Tiger 
The characteristics of the tiger are exactly what you'd think they would be. Courageous, active and fans of a challenge and adventure. They year of the tiger was marked in 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010. 
Rabbit 
Those born in 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and 2011 are all Rabbits. Traits of the rabbit include kindness and that there quiet personality makes them appear soft and weak when actually, they are full of confidence and strength - they just don't need to shout about it. 
Dragon 
Those born in 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 or 2012 are associated with the dragon. There's a bittersweet twist for those born in this year as they are strong and independent but yearn for support and love. 
Snake 
The sixth zodiac, the snake is another that doesn't sound the most appealing but they are not as slippery and as slimy as you may think. Snakes, those born in 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013, actually have a deep and complex mind. Red, yellow and black are their lucky colours along with the numbers two, six and eight. 
Horse 
In Chinese culture, the Horse represents speed and freedom. Just like their animal counterpart, those born in the year of the horse are full of energy and strongly believe in chasing their dreams. The horse applies to those born in 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014. 
Goat 
Born in 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 or 2003? You're a lovely goat. And they are very lovely as they are loving, selfless and always thinking of others. 
Monkey 
Cheeky monkey definitely rings true in this case as those born in this year are light-hearted pranksters. If you're born in 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 or 2004, this is you. They're all pretty intelligent, win plenty of awards and gaining professional recognition. The down side? They can be a little arrogant. 
Rooster 
Who rules the roost? It seems it could in fact be the rooster as they are serious in their work and straightforward and decisive in their actions. Gold, brown and yellow are lucky colours for those born in 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005 along with the numbers five, seven and eight. 
Dog 
Just like our four-legged friends, those born in the year of the dog are honest, loyal and the truest friends you can have. If you're born in 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 or 2006 that makes you a dog, and people will want to be friends with you! 
Words/picture above from article here

Chinese New Year Recipe Suggestions:
Chicken recipe how about 'Cashew Chicken', see it here 
Fish 'Steamed fish with ginger, served with Asian greens' more details here 
Vegetarian please see these suggestions here 
Vegan please have a look here

Dear reader you will find a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas within this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy. Please note, not all may be suitable for you.
If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. 

But to conclude … wherever you are … whatever nationality … at this time I would join in the Chinese custom and wish everyone peace and prosperity in the coming year. Maybe we should add good health too. 

All the best Jan

27 comments:

Sami said...

Happy year of the Rat Jan.
Chicken with cashews, I like that :)

CJ Kennedy said...

So fun to read the different zodiac meanings.

roughterrain crane said...

Happy Chinese New Year!
You know very well about the Chinese culture. Thanks for your post.

mxtodis123 said...

I live one block away from Brooklyn's Chinatown. The New Year is always a big celebration here with colorful costumes, bands, and parades.

mxtodis123 said...

Forgot to say that Moon Cakes are sold on every corner.

Valerie-Jael said...

I will make myself a Chinese stir fry to celebrate! Valerie

Christine said...

I never knew why the date changes. Thanks for this information.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I let this annual event slip up on me, so I am glad you shared it. This is wonderful that you shared this information. Sorry I have been so late visiting, lately. I just can't get back in the groove, I guess.

Anne Hagman-Niilola said...

Very interesting! In our family, horoscopes are true ;-)) Hihi hih

DUTA said...

Which reminds me that the Jewish New Year is also different from the calendaric one. This year it falls on 29 0f September.

Ygraine said...

This is a really great post, thank you!
The info on the Chinese birth signs is so interesting...both my son and I are Monkeys! Lol...why am I not surprised? Ha
My other half is a Horse...I wonder what this says about us all?
Will have to investigate further...;))

Tom said...

...wishing you a Happy Year of the Pig.

Nadezda said...

Thank you, Jan it's interesting. Will cook fish for tomorrow Chinese New year.

mamasmercantile said...

What fun to read the different signs, turns out I am a dog.

angryparsnip said...

Most of my family lives in Japan so I like The Year of The Boar better because that is my sign.

cheers, parsnip

Lorrie said...

Our International students, many of whom are Chinese, are decorating the school and putting on a performance for Chinese New Year. I'm looking forward to seeing what they will do. Chicken with cashews sounds delicious.

Elephant's Child said...

Peace and Good Health sound like excellent wishes to me - and are all the prosperity I need.

William Kendall said...

Thanks for sharing!

Martha said...

This was fun to read!

Chris Lally said...

Great post, Jan! Love your recipe suggestions, too :)

DMS said...

Wishing you peace and prosperity in the coming year too! :)
~Jess

Miss Val's Creations said...

How fun! Turns out I am a tiger and it sounds spot on.

sandy said...

I'm a tiger - so interesting - great post!

Iris Flavia said...

Thanks for the reminder, Jan, was just saying the other day, hey, we get to celebrate Chinese New Year (not celebrated in Germany that I know of).
Being a rat isn't that bad, either!

Sue said...

Ooo turns out I'm a pig - I never knew that lol. Have a great New Year xx

baili said...

very interesting read Jan!
i enjoyed knowing about zodiac symbols

here till now in rural area people follow the new moon year though in cities we follow the normal calendar

Magic Love Crow said...

Excellent post! A lot of fun! Thank you!