January 26, 2016

Chinese New Year

Meaning
Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in China, accompanied by lots of festivities. The Chinese New Year is a family festival. This means that every Chinese, whether they are employed at home or abroad, attempts to be with their family for the 15-day festivities. Accordingly the overseas Chinese and workers who live far from their families save up their entire holidays for the year. Important family matters are discussed during these days, and other opportunities for employment are also offered in some cases. As a result, one-third of the holiday-makers often do not return to their previous job. This however is a known calculation factor for construction sites and production operations in the entire south-eastern region. Therefore it is also advisable to always place major orders far in advance of the Chinese New Year (CNY) and to replenish inventories ahead of time.

Timing
CNY is always between January 21 and February 21 of each year. New Year is celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice. This is because
China does not follow our Gregorian calendar but the lunisolar calendar (based on the phases of the moon). This year Chinese New Year is taking place on 8 February 2016. Another special feature of the Chinese New Year is that every year is assigned to a zodiac sign and its character traits. 2016 is the year of the Fire Monkey. It is ascribed the character trait of agility.

Why do 12 zodiac signs determine the name of a year?
According to legend, Buddha called all the animals to him one day in order to say farewell to them.
But only 12 animals appeared to say goodbye: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and finally the pig. Thereupon Buddha gave each animal a year, creating the twelve-year astrology cycle.

Why is 2016 not simply called the Year of the Monkey, but the Year of the Fire Monkey?
What are known as cosmic elements are also part of the Chinese calendar along with the zodiac signs. A cosmic element is assigned to each year. There are 10 cosmic elements in all, comprised of the five elements wood, fire, earth, metal and water as well as yin and yang. Combined with the twelve zodiac signs, this results in the 60-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. It is significant for Chinese astrology among other things.