Chinese good luck symbols - part 1, Power of Chinese dragons

The Chinese dragon is the symbol of protection and success. It is regarded as the Supreme Being among all creatures, temples and shrines have been built to honor Chinese dragons.

There are nine dragons , the earth dragon, the wind dragon, the sea dragon, the water dragon, the sky dragon, the fire dragon, the golden dragon, the mountain dragon and the heavenly dragon.

Chinese Dragons control rain, rivers, lakes, and seas. Being the divine mythical animal, the dragon can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent and bestow safety to all.

The dragon is traditionally associated with East direction and it is believed that placing an image of a dragon on the East side of your home or office will protect you from negative energy and will bring great fortune.

Chinese dragon & Phoenix - for happy marriage

Chinese dragon and Phoenix are the perfect couple which symbolize Yang (dragon )and Yin (phoenix ) in feng shui. The Phoenix alone projects yang character but when the phoenix is shown together with dragon or placed beside a dragon, it becomes yin.

Dragon and phoenix couple symbolize emperor and empress and they represent a happy marriage blessed with success and prosperity.

The Dragon and Phoenix couple not only strengthens relationships, it can even relight the fires of a kindling relationship with the fiery energy of the Phoenix.

It is the perfect Chinese symbol as well for people who are single looking for true love, best if the image is placed in Southwest corner of your home .

Turtle dragon ( Dragon head tortoise ) - for wealth , career & business success, long life, protection

This unique creature, turtle dragon symbolizes awesome powers of the turtle and dragon plus four spiritually endowed symbols of lucky Chinese feng shui.

The creature has the head of a dragon, the body of a turtle, and is sitting on coins and gold ingots. And there is a baby turtle on the back.

Turtle symbolizes longevity . It is believed that the mythical turtle ( tortoise ) will be able to live 3,000 years without food and air.

Chinese Dragon symbolizes success , power, courage and determination.

Gold ingots symbolize wealth and prosperity.

Chinese ancient coins symbolize increasing income.

Baby turtle symbolizes wonderful luck for all descendents.

Great place to display this powerful image is the North corner of your home, best material is made of metal


Dragon head sailing ship - For all success

Sailing ship is described as "smooth sailing success and riches which bring wealth and prosperity from wind and water:".
It is among the most popular symbols of business & career success in Chinese culture.

Sailing ships are usually displayed near the entrance of store or office at lower position than your coffee table and with many coins or gold jewelry on the ship.

A long time ago, many old-style Chinese entrepreneurs used the sailing ship as their logo since it symbolized the winds bringing more business, more trade and therefore more revenue. Next to the dragon, the sailing ship is the most popular symbol that is used by Chinese businessmen.

Dragon head sailing ship is a combination of two success symbols , that become more powerful and expand yang energy around the area. It is said to bring favorable luck for all your goals even personal accomplishment.

Position of the sailing ship has to be coming in, not going away and no higher than coffee table .

Dragon dance

In Chinese new year , Dragon dance is held for celebration to welcome new year and is an important occasion for openings. Dragon dance is believed to create positive Qi energy .
Similar dance is taken in wedding ceremonies in China.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_71863_51.html

Get Complete Details of Chinese New Year 2010 and Get Free Weekly Horoscopes

For the Chinese, this 2010 is the Year of the tiger, which effectively starts on the Saturday of February 14. This is the time when millions of overseas Chinese will go back home to their families to spend the holiday and have a wonderful dinner together. This is a time when every China town all over the globe will be filled with much merrymaking, dramatic fireworks, dancing dragons, singing gongs, and happy smiles.

No doubt, the Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in history for Chinese calendar, with the celebration taking as long as 15 days. Even people who don't have Chinese blood in them have come to celebrate and respect this holiday. Every year, Chinese spend lavishly on these performance arts in the hopes of bringing good luck and prosperity.

The Spring Festival is the most important and traditional festival for Chinese, because it starts from the beginning of spring. People will hold this festival at the last day of every year which is called New Years Eve. People will keep vigil, and all the members of a family will hold together to have a big dinner on that night. It means the old year has already past and after people make a conclusion for the year, they hope to have a new and different year next.

And just as the New Year is a time when they spend thousands on food and fireworks and gifts, it is also a high time consulting their fate in Chinese horoscopes and astrology. Chinese people, after all, are among the most superstitious people in the world. Superstitions, in fact, abound during the Chinese New Year itself, both before and during the holiday. On the days before the celebration, Chinese families spend their time cleaning their houses to sweep away the bad luck for the coming New Year. On the holiday eve, buying a pair of shoes is considered bad luck, since according to them the word "shoes" is a homophone for the word "rough" in Cantonese. Eating candy, on the other hand, brings good luck in a way that their coming year will become sweet.

The Chinese Horoscope cycle is enhanced with the divisions of the twelve Chinese horoscope signs that are represented by twelve carefully chosen animals. These are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The animals where not selected by luck, but each one of them is highly associated with the human culture and way of life. There's also a legend that explains in detail how the 12 animals where selected. According to the scriptures, the Chinese god of earth conducted a race between all the animals on planet earth. The first twelve animals would represent the twelve astrological signs. The twelve Chinese Horoscope signs shape the twelve-year cycle. When the year-cycle ends, a new one begins by repeating itself.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year hamper is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year hamper to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1293933_51.html

New Year of the Tiger

The Chinese New Year is on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2010. It is the year of the golden tiger which symbolizes the Yin female energy. The dragon, which symbolizes the Yang male energy, turns its outer strength inward this year to support the Yin energy with its heart vision of love. The East and West are united by love this year.

It is not just a year for those born in the Year of the Tiger, it's a time for all to embrace its wonderful gifts. Many say the tiger most equates to the Zodiac sign Aquarius; so this year, the East and West merge together.

Tigers, like Aquarians, pride themselves on being different from others. They have a unique way of looking at things. They are original. Aquarius's message is freedom and the tiger's message is courage. It takes incredible courage to live a life of freedom and only a free person can truly love. Someone that is imprisoned or trapped must follow what his jailer dictates, which is not love but control.

The tiger, symbol of Yin or love energy is not up in the sky like the dragon; but on Earth, walking through the jungle of life with great courage. The tiger invokes in you the courage to live a life of love this year. Solving problems of the heart is its pursuit, its hunt.

Begin with your home. See if it is original, representing who you believe you are inside. As the tiger is always the symbol for Yin energy, not just this year; you can look at your home, your clothing and see how much of it already has the tiger represented.

It isn't coincidental that; as the feminine energy is growing stronger every year and will continue until the pendulum fully swings beginning on the Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012, that many of you are already responding to decorating your homes with animal prints, fabrics and clothing. Courage, the gift of the tiger, has been activated in you at an unconscious level for some time now.

It does take courage to live a life of love, especially emotional courage, speaking about matters of the heart. There's a progression to the heart which most often begins with your hurts. You need to talk about these hurts, express them so you can look at how to resolve them. Otherwise, you will revert to the extreme of your Yang side, your overly strong male, become tough, blame and try to get even or hurt others.

You want to connect, through love, with both yourself and those ever so meaningful persons in your life. Often, that takes emptying out those hurts; so go for it this year. The tiger will walk beside you through your own jungle and lead you to love.

Professionally, are you living a life of love? Does the way you are earning your money call to your heart? If not, you've trapped yourself which is not going to make your heart sing. Your uniqueness, originality and your way of serving, which is really love in action, is calling to you.

Let the golden tiger lead the way. It never gives up, no matter how frustrated it becomes, along its journey.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Loy_Young

Chinese New Year Tips - Gong Si Fat Chai

Chinese New Year starts on February 14, 2010 and lasts for 15 days. This is China's most colorful and important event of the year. This year it is named "The Year of the Golden Tiger." There are a total of 12 animals and they rotate throughout the years. There are many activities that happen during this time. On the first night of the celebration, there are fireworks to let go of the old and bring in the new, just like we do here in the USA. Also, on this night, they open all the windows and all of the doors in the house to allow the old year to go out! They have large parades and the lion dancing sways back and forth to the beat of the drummers. On the 5th day of the new year is the Chinese Lantern Festival and it is very colorful and beautiful. You will see paper lanterns made of the animal of the year and also huge large lanterns that are displayed in their parades.

1. Clean your house well in advance of the new year. Do not sweep or clean on new years day or it will represent you sending your wealth out the door. All brooms need to placed in closets.

2. Wear red since it is believed to be a happy color and symbolizes a bright future.

3. Give red envelopes filed with crisp dollar bills to children.

4. Decorate your home with nuts and sweets on a beautiful tray. You can also add chocolate gold coins to this mix as well.

5. Entertain your friends and laugh and enjoy the evening.

6. Open every door and every window on the stroke of midnight to let out the old year.

7. Clear your mind of "clutter" this day and keep your thoughts bright and optimistic for the coming new year.

8. Don't scold your children or cry on this day for if you do, it will symbolize what your coming year will play out for you.

9. Postpone washing your hair this day as you will be washing out your good luck.

10. Display large bowls of oranges on the tables to give to your friends and family as gifts.

Lillian Too has shared her traditions with students and followers of Feng Shui during her training sessions. She has told them that early in the morning of the new year, she brings in a truck full of oranges and she rolls them from the front door straight through her whole house. She is creating her own luck by following this ancient tradition.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yvonne_Phillips

More lovers for rent over Chinese New Year

CHINESE youngsters, who have reached marriage age, have come out with a new “game” - renting lovers.

The group, mostly born in the 80s, was anxiously looking for their other halves just to stop their parents from grumbling about marriage.

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, many people have been busy packing to return to their hometowns for the festival.

Although they were delighted to return home, some were worried to face their parents who would grumble and ask about their other halves.

Some parents have even arranged for a series of “match-making” sessions for their children.

To avoid the “unwanted” scenarios from happening, Chinese were eagerly in search of a part-time lover to bring home.

They were even willing to pay for the part-timers, the Central News Agency reported.

The “people renting” business has been blooming in China, especially Guangdong province, as the time to return home is getting closer.

Some people who wished to make extra cash during this period have advertised themselves on the Internet.

China’s famous website Baidu even has over 1,000 postings of people advertising themselves for rent.

The “people for rent” business originated from Japan in 2001 when companies rented their workers to their customers as lovers, relatives or even to attend weddings and funerals.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.divaasia.com/article/7080

Chinese New Year Wall And Door Scrolls

The Chinese people have always been noted for their unique traditions, belief systems, and grand festivals. Chinese New Year is the most important of the all the holiday traditions in China. Millions of Chinese families around the world celebrate it each year. Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is no doubt the biggest holiday of the year for Chinese people. Chinese New Year falls either in January or February. The date varies every year with the celebration lasting fifteen days. For centuries, Chinese New Year has been surrounded by various traditions, one of which is the hanging of special wall and door scrolls and other decors that mark the arrival of spring. They include Nian hua, spring scrolls and decorative cutouts.

Nian hua, a special type of painting, is used to decorate homes in preparation for the Chinese New Year Festival. People hang Nian hua or Chinese New Year pictures to reflect wishes for the new year. This tradition dates back to the Pre-Qin Period 221 B.C. Back then, Nian hua were popular house decorations and were especially common during Chinese New Year. The ancient Chinese were into posting images of their gods on the front doors. These gods were their protectors and ushers of good fortune. They are also believed to ward off evil spirits.

Spring good luck poems or spring poetic couplets are also common to see. These writings in black ink on red paper or scrolls convey special messages. They are commonly put on the walls or gates of stores for everyone to see. They express wishes for prosperity, happiness, protection and luck. Hanging them on the storefront also means you are saying goodbye to the past and are ready to welcome the year. Chinese idioms are also traditionally written on red spring scrolls and are displayed in most homes. These banners either wish people good luck or display simple greetings. Gong xi fa cai and Kung hsi fa tsai are some of the most common greetings for the holiday.

Another popular red poster to see is the diamond-shaped paper with the most popular Chinese character for luck, 'Fu'. The Chinese character 'Fu' sounds like the Chinese word for bat. Bats are considered lucky in China. In Chinese, the upside down Fu means good luck came; hence, the poster is traditionally hung upside down.


Aside from wall and door scrolls, Chinese families also decorate their homes with flower and animal cutouts. People usually hang cutouts of the animals of the Chinese zodiac or fish. All the 12 animals are considered lucky while fish yu (fish) sounds like the Chinese word for 'surplus' which is why its also considered lucky.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Fried Oysters for Chinese New Year

One of the best things I've ever eaten on Chinese New Year is deep fried oysters. This recipe comes from a Cantonese chef friend of mine and it is slap your momma good. Apparently there is some sort of symbolism for eating oysters at New Year but for me they are just delicious. I know that fish is for prosperity and dumplings mean wealth so I assume that oysters are somewhere in there as well.

I like to use 12 large fresh oysters which I clean with a little salt and cornstarch. After rinsing them in cold water I parboil them in the shells for about five minutes. Then I'll mix together about 1 tbsp dry sherry, 1 tsp ginger juice, and a pinch of pepper and coat the oysters with this mixture.

From here I will make a batter of flour, cornstarch, oil and water. Sometimes I like to use Chinese beer instead of the water to make the batter a little lighter. Then heat a pan of peanut or canola oil until it is 350 degrees and fry those bad boys until they shine like gold. Drain them on paper towels (not too long, you'll want to eat them hot) and serve with a garnish of chopped scallions and some hot peppers.

You could also make a simple dipping sauce for them by mixing some soy sauce and vinegar (I like to use a 4/1 mix) and adding chili and sesame oil. How much of each of those? Well, it depends on how hot you want it. Happy Chinese New Year!

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Garcia

Deep Fried Oysters For Chinese New Year

One of the best things I've ever eaten on Chinese New Year is deep fried oysters. This recipe comes from a Cantonese chef friend of mine and it is slap your momma good. Apparently there is some sort of symbolism for eating oysters at New Year but for me they are just delicious. I know that fish is for prosperity and dumplings mean wealth so I assume that oysters are somewhere in there as well.

I like to use 12 large fresh oysters which I clean with a little salt and cornstarch. After rinsing them in cold water I parboil them in the shells for about five minutes. Then I'll mix together about 1 tbsp dry sherry, 1 tsp ginger juice, and a pinch of pepper and coat the oysters with this mixture.

From here I will make a batter of flour, cornstarch, oil and water. Sometimes I like to use Chinese beer instead of the water to make the batter a little lighter. Then heat a pan of peanut or canola oil until it is 350 degrees and fry those bad boys until they shine like gold. Drain them on paper towels (not too long, you'll want to eat them hot) and serve with a garnish of chopped scallions and some hot peppers.

You could also make a simple dipping sauce for them by mixing some soy sauce and vinegar (I like to use a 4/1 mix) and adding chili and sesame oil. How much of each of those? Well, it depends on how hot you want it. Happy Chinese New Year!

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Garcia

Chinese New Year of the Tiger in Phoenix

In 2010 February 14^th is The Chinese New Year. This is the Chinese Year of the Metal Tiger. Which is symbolized by a white tiger. Here in Phoenix February 8-14, 2010 is the 20 year anniversary of Phoenix Chinese Week. This series of cultural events is the result of a cooperative effort between the Phoenix Chinese Week Committee, the City of Phoenix and the Sister Cities Commission. This series of events celebrates the richness of the Chinese culture. There are plenty of parties, food and cultural activities in the Phoenix area this year to bring in the Chinese New Year. The main focus of the Phoenix Chinese New Year celebration is the Chinese Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix.

Chinese Cultural Center, Friday February 12 through Saturday February 14, 2010

This 3 day event has something for everybody. Families may want to start with the Children's Pavilion. This event offers children the chance to participate in hands on projects involving Chinese arts and crafts such as Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting and folding and many other cultural based activities. The Food Pavilion offers authentic Chinese cuisine from different regions so that you can experience the unique taste and variety China offers. The festival also has traditional Taipei Dragon Boats on display. Make sure that you don't miss the Photo Exhibit and the Mah-Jong Booth. The Chinese Cultural Center is located at 688 N 44 Street, just off I-10 in downtown Phoenix. The hours are Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m... Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2649463/2010_chinese_new_year_celebrations.html?cat=8

Reviewing Traditional Chinese Astrology

Astrology is one of the most ancient of Chinese philosophies. With a complex mix of calendar cycles and associations to animals, Chinese astrology is as mysterious as it is effective. Unlike other disciplines, the culture embraces astrology with bright, wonderful celebrations and integrates beliefs into their everyday lives. In this article, we'll examine the roots of this Asian tradition and how other cultures have come to respect it.

Chinese astrology is the divination of the future from the Chinese calendar. This basic cycle has been constructed from two cycles: the 10 heavenly stems (the five elements in their yin and yang forms) and the 12 earthly branches, or the 12-year cycle of animals referred to as the Chinese zodiac.

The Chinese animal zodiac also operates on a cycle of months or 'moons' and of hours of the day. The animal signs assigned by year represent how others will perceive you as being, or how you present yourself.

It is a common misconception that the animals assigned by year are the only signs, and many western descriptions of the Chinese version draw solely on this system. In fact, there are also animal signs assigned by month (called inner animals) and hours of the day (called secret animals). While a person might appear to be a dragon because they were born in the year of the dragon, they might also be a snake internally and an ox secretively.

In total, this makes for 8,640 possible combinations that a person might be. An individual's monthly animal sign is called their inner animal and is concerned with what motivates a person.

Since this sign dictates the person's love life and inner persona, it is critical to a proper understanding of the individual's compatibility with other signs. These are all critical for the proper use of this Asian astrology.

Like in western astrology, each sign is linked to a month of the solar year. However, in Chinese astrology, the signs are also related to a season and the elements are believed to transfer some of its characteristics to the sign concerned. In the 60 year cycle, the fixed element, which is concerned with the year, month and hour signs, is separate from the cycle of elements which interact with the signs.

The Chinese zodiac is also used to label times of day, with each sign corresponding to a "large-hour," which is a two-hour period (24 divided by 12 animals). It is therefore important to know the exact time of birth to determine it. The secret animal is thought to be a person's truest representation, since this animal is determined by the smallest denominator: a person's birth hour. It is a person's own true sign, upon which their personality is based.

Chinese new year celebrations are renowned for the bold displays of Asian tradition and symbols from Chinese astrology. Most societies don't practice astrology as openly as the Chinese do. Businessmen won't make deals on some days, couples try to have babies in certain years and particular addresses are believed to be good luck. This is an example of how deeply people can believe in the impact of stars and planets.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Selvon

Chinese New Year 2010 is Falling on 14th February

When the world is already done with its New Year celebration, China still awaits for its gala celebration. Chinese New Year or Spring festival is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. It is also called 'Lunar New Year' outside China. It begins on the first day of first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year is famously known as Chuxi by its native people. 'Chu' means Chu means 'to remove' or 'to eradicate,' while xi means 'evening' or 'night,' and therefore the term chuxi signifies a moment of the year when people hope to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year and welcome in new fortune.

Chinese New Year Day is the new moon day of the first lunar month. Chinese New Year approximately falls in the second half of January or the first half of February and contains winter solstice. Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration and its first day is the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth.On the second day, Chinese pray their ancestors and gods. On second and fourth day, sons-in-laws pay respect to their parents-in-laws. Fifth day is when people stay at home and welcome 'God of Wealth'. From sixth to tenth day is a time for festivity and merry-making. Chinese visit their families and friends, and visit temples for good fortune, health and prosperity. On 12th and 13th day lavish dinner preparations are made and served to the guests. Rice congee and mustard greens are the traditional dishes prepared at home to cleanse the system. And finally 14th and 15th days marks the preparation and celebration of Lantern Festival. Lantern festival is also known as 'Little New Year'. It marks the end of the series of celebrations that starts from the Chinese New Year. chinese new year calendar assigns a unique animal name every year. There are 12 different Chinese New Year animals, which are Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, Pig, in the counting system.

Chinese New Year 2010 is falling on 14th February and the special animal sign and number is assigned to it. Chinese New Year animal of the year is Tiger. The Chinese New Year 2010 will not just not merely be a fifteen days festivity, but it will be a time to strengthen the bond of love and respect. Its will mean reunion, feasting, revelry and parties for Chinese people. Dinners will be organized by Chinese families and will be a great get-together to come close with family, friends and dear ones. Delicious and delectable gastronomical delights will be cooked at home like chicken, fish, cakes, so that New Year will usher in happiness, wealth and good fortune.

Besides New Year, there are other festivals also to cheer the Chinese people. Chinese Valentines Day is also called the 'Daughter's festival'. Its similar to the popular Valentines Day which is celebrated round the world by love birds with much fanfare on 14th February. On Chinese Valentines Day, lovers pray for their everlasting love and union, which soon turn into marriage and marital bliss. Both, those who are in love or single, go to the temple of Matchmaker. This day girls wash their hairs, and dress to their finery. Couples woo their sweethearts by splurging them with thoughtful gifts and spend time with them.

Chinese New Year is not just any other day, its importance is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions. Its heralds the onset of good times, that will brighten their each day and open different avenues that will take them to the future of beautiful tomorrows.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.sooperarticles.com/art-entertainment-articles/chinese-new-year-chinese-new-year-2010-falling-14th-february-27939.html

The Year of the Tiger Chinese New Year 2010

The new moon in February for 2010 marks the start of the year of the Tiger for the upcoming Chinese New year. It will mark the end of the year of the Ox. Depending on the cycles of the moon, the Chinese Lunar New Year
usually falls either in January of February during the new moon. Chinese New Year 2010 will be celebrated on February 14th, which happens to be the same day as St Valentine Day. Chinese New Year 2010 marks the start of the the Year of the Tiger. The Chinese Zodiac has a twelve year cycle, and the tiger marks the third year. The other signs of the Chinese Zodiac are Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster.

The Chinese new year is sort of like the American Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays rolled into one big event. It is very important for families to be together to ring in the new year. The celebration does not last for just one day. In some areas it could last an entire month. However, the most important part of the Chinese New Year celebration occurs during the first 15 days following the first new moon of the year. Kids will be on winter break, and many in Asia will take a holiday from work.

During the holiday, food takes center stage, with feasting and banquets. There is the general belief that if you start of the year with abundant food and a good time, then that abundance will carry over throughout the upcoming year.

The foods that are eaten will vary greatly depending on the region of China, or whether you are in Singapore, Taiwan, or Hong Kong. The main dishes represent prosperity and success for the upcoming year. For example, in Taiwan and parts of China, many families will eat fish. The words fish and extra are homophones in the Chinese Mandarin language. When you pronounce the word fish and extra in Chinese they make the same sound, yew.
These words have a different character when written in Chinese but sound exactly the same. Just as in the English language, dear and deer are homophones, same sound, different spelling, and different meaning.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2551219/chinese_new_year_2010_the_year_of_the.html

Happy Chinese New Year!

Unlike the Western Calendar which has the passing of the year as a fixed date each year, the Chinese calendar is based on a combination of solar and lunar movements with New Years being celebrated on the date of the second full moon after the winter solstice.

The misalignment of the solar and lunar cycles creates an imbalance over time which needs to be corrected by realigning the two calendars. Within any 19 year period, there are seven years where one month is added to maintain some form of alignment.

In addition to this cycle of realignment, from ancient times the Chinese have associated each year with an animal which they consider to be auspicious and the characteristics and traits of these animals are said to be imparted to any newborn. The list of revered animals is, starting with 2010; Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Boar and Rat.

Chinese New Year celebrations are heavily influenced by tradition and the Spring Festival, to give Chinese New Year its' more correct name is the holiday most celebrated during the year with family and friends gathering together to honour their ancestors with prayer and a banquet.

There are many customs associated with the celebration including the cleaning completely the home and the application of the principle of Feng Shui. Like their western counterparts, families stay up late and as the New Year approaches, all of the windows and doors are thrown open to let the old year depart along with any bad luck and to allow evil spirits to make way for good.

The welcoming of the changes in the seasons is represented symbolically by the use of flowers symbolizing that nature has reawakened. This symbolism extends to the use of fruits and candies representing prosperity and happiness; oranges and tangerines are traditionally placed around the dwelling and a tray of eight different types of candies made from lotus seeds, longan (a small juicy fruit), peanuts, coconut, cumquat, lychee (a small fruit with sweet flesh), red melon seeds, candied melon is commonly found in the main living area. Other decorations will be bright red and gold, both colours being associated with good fortune, and will include wall hangings wishing good luck and good fortune on all.

Aside from firecrackers which are an intrinsic part of any Chinese celebration, the Spring Festival is celebrated all around the globe by Chinese New Year Dragon Parades. The Dragon dance is a vital part of any Chinese New Year Celebration and the rich colours, drumming beat and its overall spectacle make it a must see event for Chinese and others alike. If you watch carefully, the Dragon, who is searching for wisdom and knowledge is actually following the Pearl of Wisdom which is atop a pole carried by the leader of the procession.

If you fancy holding your own celebration this Chinese New Years; it's never been easier. There are plenty of websites that can offer advice on recipes on creating your own Chinese banquet try the BBC webpages, and most fancy dress internet retailers have large selections of Chinese themed costumes and accessories. Chinese themed decorations are also becoming easier to source so it's never been easier to have a great Spring Festival or Chinese New Years celebration. Enjoy.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Sinclair

Spend Chinese New Year with Spectacular Lion Dances on High Poles and the God of Fortune at Jurong Bird Park

Find colours of the rainbow sprinkled around Jurong Bird Park this Chinese New Year with life-sized 3D art displays of birds, vibrant flower arrangements, a Zodiac Quest, the quintessential lion dance, big head doll and God of Fortune appearances!

Starting 1 February, the park will be transformed into a colourful haven with artfully decorated 3D life-sized figurines of birds such as flamingos, peacocks, swans and macaws. This year is special, as the first day of Chinese New Year is also Valentine’s Day. Come by the scenic African Waterfall Aviary at the bird park with your loved ones and take in the beautiful plumage of the masked lovebirds as you rekindle your love for each other with the tallest man-made waterfall in the background.

Chinese New Year is not complete without the proverbial God of Fortune, and he will be right here at the Jurong Bird Park, blessing everyone with good fortune, and if you like, he can also read your palm and tell what the new year heralds for you. All is not sedate at the bird park, as there will be a lion performing on the high pole with another on the ground with a big head doll mingling with guests, providing plenty of photographic opportunities for visitors.

Don’t miss the special Chinese New Year edition of the Birds n Buddies show too where Sassy, the park’s celebrity cockatoo, will be delivering red packets to some lucky visitors. Adding to the auspicious mood is the intelligent Amigo, a yellow-naped Amazon, who will be wishing everyone ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai.’

There will also be a Zodiac Quest based on the 12 animals of the Chinese horoscope for visitors to participate in, and as they meander around the bird park, they will discover what 2010 has in store for them.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/spend-chinese-new-year-with-spectacular-lion-dances-on-high-poles-and-the-god-of-fortune-at-jurong-bird-park-1740200.html

Ring in the Year of the Rat With These Fun Chinese New Year Activities

February 7, 2008 — The Year of the Rat. For many people, Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration of the year. It is a time of celebration, eating special foods, cleaning and decorating the house, giving gifts, fireworks, and getting ready for the coming year. The color red is believed to be lucky, so people traditionally wear red clothes and give children “lucky money" in red envelopes. Family members gather at each other's homes for visits and shared meals. Festivities usually end with the lantern festival, highlighted by a dragon dance. With your children, ring in the New Year with the following fun Chinese New Year Activities

Chinese New Year Dragon
The dragon symbolizes strength, goodness, and good luck. Help your child make a simple dragon. Use an egg carton with three cups and have children paint the cups with red and yellow colors. Draw a dragon face shape and decorate with cotton balls and wiggly eyes. Cut yarn into small pieces and glue to the back of the dragon. Glue pom-poms to the bottom of the egg carton cups to make legs. Have children perform their own dragon dances as they parade around together.

Chinese Lantern Craft
Paint a paper plate red and cut out a circle in the middle. Take clear contact paper and cut a circle to fit inside the paper plate and tape to the back. Tear red and yellow tissue paper into small pieces and place on the sticky side of contact paper. Cut two rectangles out of red craft paper and glue to the bottom and top of lantern. Make a tassel out of yellow yarn and glue to the bottom of lantern.

The Chinese Calendar Craft and Activities
Explain to children that the Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon. Each year in a cycle is named after an animal. Legend says that Buddha invited all the animals to join him for a New Year’s celebration but only 12 showed up. They argued about who was to head the cycle of years, so Buddha held a race—whoever first reached the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish. The race began, but unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox’s back, and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, finished last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle and the pig is the last. The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a strong influence on that person’s personality. Have children make their own Chinese calendar by using our patterns. Let them find their zodiac sign and see if the characteristics match their personality.

Lai-See Envelope
One of the most popular activities observed on Chinese New Year is the custom of Hong Bao, or the giving of small red (the color red is thought to bring good fortune) envelopes filled with "lucky money" to children by adults. To make your own red (lai see) envelope, trace our envelope pattern on red paper and assemble. Cut the end of a drinking straw to a point to make a quill. Have children write some Chinese letters with the quill on the front of the envelope. Add a line of glue to the outer edge of the envelope and sprinkle gold glitter on it. Shake off excess glitter. Add a coin to the inside of the envelope and seal flap with tape.

Cleaning and Decorating the House
A common Chinese New Year activity is to clean and decorate the house. It is believed that cleaning the house helps sweep away any bad luck that may have accumulated over the past year. Encourage children to help you clean and tidy the house—dust all the corners, wash the windows, and sweep the rooms. Remember though, that sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day because good fortune might be swept away! To decorate, help your children make paper curls. On the curls, write special messages like "good fortune,” "good health,” and “long life,” and then hang them around the house. Make and hang paper lanterns. Fill the house with fresh blooms and flowering plants.

Snacks
Serve children oranges and tangerines during Chinese New Year as they symbolize wealth and good luck. Some other lucky foods are noodles which represent a long life, clams and spring rolls which denote wealth, and sticky rice cakes which symbolize a rich, sweet life and abundance for the coming year.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/ring-in-the-year-of-the-rat-with-these-fun-chinese-new-year-activities-311078.html

Countdown 2010 Celebrating The New Year In The City Of Angles

Where are we going to celebrate the New Year this year? is the common question that takes place when the end of the year is approaching. If you are in Thailand for the New Year then you are fortunate as there is one certain thing Thais know how to do and that is celebration. Thailand is actually one of the few countries in the world that celebrates a New Year three times a year! The Chinese New Year is celebrated in February, Songkran Festival or the traditional Thai New Year in April and the western New Year affords a great reason to have fun. Bangkok really offers a jovial experience, thus lets make this yearend festivity a complete New Year phenomenon. Leave the old year behind and herald the new one with friends and families.

As with many hectic cities worldwide, celebrating New Years Eve in the City of Angels can be extremely gratifying. Each of the New Year countdown celebrations has its own charisma so you can be sure to find something to fulfill your preferences. Whether it is traditional, contemporary and stage performances, world music, clubs and pubs or simply by the glorious Chao Phraya River, there are ample entertainment options to take you right through to the countdown when firework displays magically light up the sky.

Afterward the party continues on into the early hours. The center of Christmas and New Year celebrations in Bangkok is the Ratchaprasong Intersection, home to CentralWorld, Gaysorn Plaza and Erawan Bangkok.

All through this remarkable Bangkok shopping vicinity, along Ratchaprasong, Ratchadamri and Ploenchit around the Chitlom area, the streets are draped in a gleaming light display that would compete that of nearly any western city. Colorful chains of lights are strung across the roads from buildings and street lights, not to mention the tall Christmas trees with plenty of pretty decorations. You can also relish a long row of palm trees with their trunks wrapped in lights and still more lights strung from the branches.

So as to best enjoy these sites, it is always superb to combine viewing the decorations with shopping. The choice and diversity of stores and products sold is so astonishing and the holiday sales make for even greater value.

Should you yearn for reveling the New Year in public or outdoors then the Bangkok Countdown is grandly held at Bangkoks CentralWorld. The event typically magnetizes a myriad of people with the party focused on Ratchaprasong Intersection right in front of CentralWorld on Ratchadamri Road. An emphasis includes breathtaking light-and-sound multimedia shows and live on-stage performances by renowned Thai artists, actors and performers. You can too marvel at the perfect atmosphere, be part of a global TV audience as well as delight in the beer garden, lucky draws and countdown to 2010 with other countries around the world. The citys governor and other leaders will also bless the coming year. The event is broadcast live.

Those who do not fancy big outdoor crowns can head for one of Bangkoks chic and stylish clubs where parties are bound to blow up. The younger crowns usually visit places around Silom Road and RCA. It will be quite amusing, boisterous and perspiring as these venues get packed to the max and party hard. Besides, there are numerous smaller bars and fine restaurants around Khaosan Road. These dinning spots present an extensive range of entertainment to satiate the international tastes. The club scene in Bangkok is as well excellent. If it is high class sophistication or a hip club, you can find it all provided with that hospitable Thai mood. The live music scene is top class. Thai musicians deliver a performance to match any band.

Several leading hotels in Bangkok meanwhile proffer something a little quieter. They have shows or parties organized. The marvelous places to make for are on the Chao Phraya River. Here the ambiance is more private with a sumptuous gala dinner, light entertainment and dazzling views of fireworks displays over the citys sky. By the riverside is one of the best places to be in Bangkok, but how about being on the river? There are various dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya River where you can rejoice a silent and romantic New Years Eve dinner away from the throngs and in the best possible vantage point for admiring the fireworks. Bear in mind that both hotel parties and dinner cruises are well-liked and require advance booking.

Not only in Bangkok, but also across the country you will find celebrations that send out the past year and welcome the New Year in their own outstanding style. How about the next day? No doubt there will be some consequences from the previous nights event, but you can always indulge yourself in one of the delectable New Years Day buffet brunches at some of the famous hotels especially if you overslept and missed breakfast. This is a fabulous way to start the first day of 2010 that will make you feel a whole lot revitalized. Or you can kick off the New Years Day with nice day shopping at one of Bangkoks fantastic shopping malls such as CentralWorld, Central Chidlom, Siam Paragon and The Emporium, to mention just a few.

For the sake of absolute relaxation and rejuvenation to begin your New Year spoil yourself at a spa. The pampering treatments at one of the citys lavish spas would stimulate your senses as well as enable your body and spirit to chill out to the utmost. Assorted high-end hotels also have their own spa sanctuaries and you cannot go wrong here.

Otherwise you can seek retreat in one of Bangkoks nail boutiques or massage shops to luxuriate in a healing foot massage. Whilst being immersed in the world of indulgence you will be enchanted by the professional staff to nurture you with a smile and cater to your every personalized session, nothing seems to be much trouble. This is a terrific escape to start the day with a great treat.

In a more traditional and cultured manner to greet the New Year, lots of Thais drop by the nearby temples for merit-making to ensure a bright and prosperous New Year. Many major provinces including Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Krabi organize the celebrations on New Years Day in a grand religious style in the early morning. Also, with half and the regular Bangkok crowd upcountry visiting family or on vacation, it can be a good occasion to relax and tour Bangkok with attractions a little less jam-packed than usual.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Countdown-2010-Celebrating-The-New-Year-In-The-City-Of-Angles/844243

Chinese New Year Party:- Get Chinese Get New Years Eve Party Idea and Free New Year Cards

2010 is arriving, New Year again new start of life. People celebrate New Year leaving all the grudges and sadness behind with their loved ones. Whole world holding its breath and eyes are stuck to celebrate the New Year as the clock strike twelve. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible crescent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring). The Chinese New Year that is celebrated for about fifteen days is one moment in the year as every one is aware of its significance; the working people in china can take weeks of holidays so that they can join the company of their near and dear ones. The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. Chinese New Year 2010 is the year of the Tiger. On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on Sunday, February 14, 2010.

New year Eve party is full of enjoyment. People often forget all their grudges, pains and most importantly hectic work load and enjoy in full mood. New Year Eve Celebration involves partying and jumping on the floor until the clock strikes midnight. Drinking, Dancing, Eating and Enjoying are the part of celebrations. The "Nian GAO" is New Year Cake that make out of glutinous rice flour. He higher the “Nian Gao" is, the better the new year is. It is time to leave behind old grudges and to hug the morning of the coming New Year with a wide smile.

The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. The track of the new moon changes from year to year, Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid-February. For the tiger in 2010, any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome, so look forward to a year in which to really shine, either personally or professionally. It is often called the Lunar New Year, especially by people in mainland China and Taiwan. Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most. People born In the year of the tiger have a lively disposition and are forthright and uninhibited in nature. They are honest, tender, generous and humorous at the same time.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_1296289_27.html

The Chinese New Year of the Tiger in Sydney

Sydney is bursting at the seams with great events and entertainment for February and at the heart of the festivities is the largest Chinese New Year Celebration outside of Asia. This year, the community will be ushering the Year of the Tiger and will celebrations include an opening day ceremony in Surry Hills and markets. The highlight of the fortnight will be the extravagant Twilight Parade through Sydney's Chinatown.

Sydney communities celebrate the New Year

The party kicks off on 12 February 2010, the night before New Year's Eve. Markets and an opening ceremony are to be held at Belmore Park in Surry Hills near Central station and will feature performances put on by the local Asian communities. The official first day of the year takes place on 14 February, and the night before is a time for families to enjoy a New Year's Eve feast that always includes traditional foods to promote prosperity, wealth and success in the coming year.

In China, the New Year comes as a time of rest and family, where minimal chores are done and most businesses are closed. Meanwhile, Sydney will be hosting a number of cultural events, with Dragon Boat races on 27-28 February at Darling Harbour and a number of individual community events.

Pivotal to the celebrations will the Twilight Parade on 21 February. After the outstanding success of the inaugural Twilight Parade in 2009 (replacing the traditional day parade of the past years), audiences this year will once again be treated to an amazing spectacle of colourful illuminated floats while performers in traditional dress will wow the crowds.

The Year of the Tiger

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Tiger is considered to be a symbol of bravery and those born in the year of the Tiger are thought to be courageous fighters, charismatic, with strong moral values and are good protectors.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_1343327_29.html

Chinese New Year:- Chinese New Year 2010 is falling on 14th February

When the world is already done with its New Year celebration, China still awaits for its gala celebration. Chinese New Year or Spring festival is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. It is also called 'Lunar New Year' outside China. It begins on the first day of first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year is famously known as Chuxi by its native people. 'Chu' means ‘to remove’ or ‘to eradicate,’ while xi means ‘evening’ or ‘night,’ and therefore the term chuxi signifies a moment of the year when people hope to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year and welcome in new fortune.

Chinese New Year Day is the new moon day of the first lunar month. Chinese New Year approximately falls in the second half of January or the first half of February and contains winter solstice. Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration and its first day is the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth.On the second day, Chinese pray their ancestors and gods. On second and fourth day, sons-in-laws pay respect to their parents-in-laws. Fifth day is when people stay at home and welcome 'God of Wealth'. From sixth to tenth day is a time for festivity and merry-making. Chinese visit their families and friend, and visit temples for good fortune, health and prosperity. On 12th and 13th day lavish dinner preparations are made and served to the guests. Rice congee and mustard greens are the traditional dishes prepared at home to cleanse the system. And finally 14th and 15th days marks the preparation and celebration of Lantern Festival. Lantern festival is also known as 'Little New Year'. It marks the end of the series of celebrations that starts from the Chinese New Year. chinese new year calendar assigns a unique animal name every year. There are 12 different Chinese New Year animals, which are Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, Pig, in the counting system.

Chinese New Year 2010 is falling on 14th February and the special animal sign and number is assigned to it. Chinese New Year animal of the year is Tiger. The Chinese New Year 2010 will not just not merely be a fifteen days festivity, but it will be a time to strengthen the bond of love and respect. Its will mean reunion, feasting, revelry and parties for Chinese people. Dinners will be organized by Chinese families and will be a great get-together to come close with family, friends and dear ones. Delicious and delectable gastronomical delights will be cooked at home like chicken, fish, cakes, so that New Year will usher in happiness, wealth and good fortune.

Besides New Year, there are other festivals also to cheer the Chinese people. Chinese Valentines Day is also called the 'Daughter's festival'. Its similar to the popular Valentines Day which is celebrated round the world by love birds with much fanfare on 14th February. On Chinese Valentines Day, lovers pray for their everlasting love and union, which soon turn into marriage and marital bliss. Both, those who are in love or single, go to the temple of Matchmaker. This day girls wash their hairs, and dress to their finery. Couples woo their sweethearts by splurging them with thoughtful gifts and spend time with them.

Chinese New Year is not just any other day, its importance is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions. Its heralds the onset of good times, that will brighten their each day and open different avenues that will take them to the future of beautiful tomorrows.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_1292117_27.html

Party Game Of The Chinese New Year

The following make great party games for your Chinese New Year Party.

Wonderment Chinese New Year Party Games

The Wonderment game is sure to take the players of your Chinese New Year party game by awe. The Wonderment game is played with just two people in the party who will be in the know of the game, resulting in “wonderment” for all the others. First, before the commencement of this Chinese New Year game, two players need to agree on a signal word such as the word “and”. Then one of them declares that he/she is gifted with second sight and that he/she can name, through a closed door, any object touched by any person. The player then chooses a confederate as if by random, while actually selecting the other player. Then the player leaves the room and the selected player proceeds to call out different objects. The trick is to call out a variety of objects but precede the selected object with the signal word. For instance, the player can call out “table, rug, piano, footstool and chair, inkstand, lamp”, adding a lot of object names to confuse the other player. The player then touches a chair in the room and asks the other player “what am I touching now”? The player will answer “Chair” to the amazement of everyone present in the room. Of course, the player finds the right answer because the signal word “and” was spelt immediately before the word “chair”.

When played skillfully, the Wonderment Chinese New Year party game will fill your Chinese New Year party with a lot of amazement and wonder.

Postman’s Knock Chinese New Year Party Games

The Postman’s Knock Chinese New Year party game begins with one player going out of the room and giving a postman’s knock (a double knock) at the door. One of the players must stand inside and answer the knocks made. First, the player should ask the postman “Who is the letter for?” The postman then names a member of the Chinese New Year party game, usually of the opposite sex. The player then must ask the postman how many cents need to be paid. The postman replies with a number say “six”. The person for whom the letter is meant for will then pay the postman with the same number of kisses, instead of cents. The person then takes the turn as postman and the Chinese New Year party game continues.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino