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