Chinese New Year was exceptionally fun this year because 2011 is the Golden Year of the Rabbit, my zodiac sign! This only occurs every 12 years.
The Rabbit is considered a lucky sign. During the Year of the Rabbit, the wish-granting aspect of the Sun and the Moon combined is supposed to be multiplied. Exciting! In Chinese culture the Rabbit is the symbol of the Moon- the Moon is yin and this is the yin of Heaven, signifying magic. On the full moon nights of this year, visualize plenty of Moon dust and Moon glow flowing into you, filling your whole body with bright white light and granting you fearlessness, love and courage. This will not only strengthen your inner “Chi” energy, it will also bring wisdom into your life. The next full moon is February 18. I will definitely be trying to soak up some of this “magic!”
Every year we have a family celebration and feast at my aunt’s house with an array of traditional dishes. A full belly is the ultimate sign of well-being and affection. One of my favorite dishes is a whole fish wrapped in banana leaves seasoned with green onions, ginger, and cilantro. The fish represent abundance and the green onions wisdom. It’s also important that the fish is served whole, head and tail attached because it symbolizes a good beginning and ending for the coming year.
A celebratory toast with these festive Asian pin-up girl shot glasses. The pretty lady appears when the glass has liquid – Jack Daniels works really well.
For the grand finale, we set off firecrackers to frighten away any evil spirits and make way for a year of good health, prosperity, and happiness. pa, pa-pa-pa pow!
