Celebrating Chinese New Year with a trio of galloping gold horses wearing symbols of good fortune and prosperity, a red lantern to light their path. The branch represents the first of the Five Chinese Elements wood- the beginning of life and springtime.
I’ve got a can of gold spray paint, horse figurines, red glitter, red paper lantern, cherry blossoms, and other lucky trinkets. Let’s see what happens!
My tribute to the Year of the Snake: fresh flowers for prosperity, envelopes filled with lucky money, and my cloisonne fish earrings for a splash of red and abundance.
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!
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. It begins on February 14, Valentine’s Day. The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, and is a sign of bravery. It is admired by many Chinese because it is the sign that keeps away fire, thieves, and ghosts from the home. They also have protective powers to keep children safe. People that are born in the Year of the Tiger generally posses a charismatic personality. They are sensitive, adventurous, energetic, and passionate!
This is my tribute to the Year of the Tiger- Tiger Kitty! He is resting beneath a branch of plum blossoms because they are commonly used to decorate the home during Chinese New Year. They are seen as a symbol of winter, as well as a harbinger of spring. I also liked the idea that plum blossoms symbolize pure, honest friendship and perseverance.
My Tiger Kitty may not seem very ferocious, but he is still watchful and can provide ample protection. His smile is courageous and he is ready to pounce at a moment’s warning.
Gung Hay Fat Choy! (Wishing you good fortune)
Sun Neen Fai Lok! (Happy New Year)
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