There’s a whole lot to know if you’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year properly, and this year I plan on doing everything by the book and sticking as close to tradition as possible, partly to teach my little girl this side of her heritage and partly to finally satisfy the curiosity I’ve had for it all these decades. So, join me as I explain every Chinese New Year tradition that’s about to take over the city.

Search #JingkidsCNY to find more articles on this topic. 

It’s almost time to celebrate Chinese New Year, or 过年 (guònián). On Feb 10 it will officially be the Year of the Dragon. Here’s the quick version of what nian is and what the Year of the Dragon is.

What is Nian?

Nian means year in Chinese, but legend has it that it was once a fierce monster that looked like a lion with a sharp horn on its head and the long tail of a dragon. It lived at the bottom of the sea, but once a year on the last day of the lunar calendar it would come on land to hunt.

The nian monster preyed on people and livestock, and villagers would drive away the beast with firecrackers and flares. It’s believed that the first villager who fought off the nian monster was dressed all in red, and since then it has been believed that bright lights, firecrackers, and the color red weaken the beast. So, from then on, each year during the lunar new year, people hang up red couplets and lanterns, wear red articles of clothing, and set off firecrackers.

The 12 Zodiacs and the Year of the Wood Dragon:

Legend has it that the zodiacs were created by the Jade Emperor on his birthday. According to the myth, 12 animals were selected to compete in the race as a measurement of time for people. The animals were to race across a rapid river and cross the finish line on the other side. To race across, the Ox carried the Rat on his back, but, overcome by the excitement, the Rat launched off of the Ox at the finish line and crossed it first. The Ox came in second and the Tiger came in third.

Following the Tiger came the Rabbit, who would have made it sooner had he not fallen into the river. Saved by a floating log, the rabbit came in fourth, followed by the Dragon. After the Dragon came the Horse, followed by a sneaky Snake who scored himself a ride to the finish line on the leg of the Horse.

Soon after came the Monkey, Rooster, and Sheep. Myth has it that, unlike the other competitors, these three helped each other along the way to reach the finish line together. Finally, coming in last are the Dog, who decided to take a bath in the river, and the Pig, who felt hungry during the race and had himself a little snack.

What does it mean to be a Dragon?

Represented only in myth, the Dragon is believed to be the most powerful of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Don’t be surprised if you get a ton of birth announcements this year. You’re not imagining it, many parents in China will try to give birth during the Year of the Dragon.

In China, the Dragon is a symbol of authority, honor, and dignity, and it’s believed that those born in the Year of the Dragon will have unprecedented opportunities given to them throughout their life and that these people are able to harness the Dragon’s intelligence, leadership, and ability to pursue their dreams with creativity, passion, courage, and confidence.

This year is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Let me explain.

Following the Chinese calendar, which rotates in 60-year cycles based on the 12 zodiac animals and five heavenly elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), each Chinese New Year has an animal and an element that’s associated with it. This year, the dragon’s transformative power combines with the nurturing wood element, offering opportunities for evolution, improvement, and abundance.

Images: The Independent, Bing

When I sat down to lunch with a fellow Year-of-the-Rabbit parent recently, he proudly flashed me his new red bracelet that was hand-braided by Tibetan monks. Apparently, when it’s your zodiac year (本命年 benmingnian) it’s tradition to get something red to wear for the entire year in order to ward off bad luck, since all celestial eyes are on you – this being your year. This corroborates the research I’ve skimmed on the subject and so, in the spirit of celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, we’ve rounded up some cool bunny-themed trinkets and stuff you can get right here in Beijing.

Jasmine’s Jewelry

Since bracelets are generally easier to leave on without much hassle, local jewelry designer Jasmine has designed a wide range of them for this CNY, from raw materials ranging from silver to 18k gold to jade and even cinnabar. I chose a design that spoke to me, then asked her to customize it with a few touches, and voilà! I received it the next day! Quality is great and prices are very reasonable as well. Scan the QR code below to contact her.

Mosaic

One thing I love about Chinese characters is how they are so often pictographic of the word they represent, so the character 兔 really looks like a rabbit! Another jewelry designer, Arzu, has taken that concept and made these adorable silver earrings in honor of this zodiac animal. She’s also offering other Chinese character earrings that may help invoke the promise of “longevity” and “prosperity” for the new year.

Wobaby Basics

This Shanghai-based expat-repreneur brand offers cool zodiac-themed clothing in GOTS certified organic cotton for babies and children. The bonus? There’s a 50% discount on clothing and 20% off muslin swaddles from now until Feb 2, plus free delivery across China!

Calzedonia

Slip into these oh-so-adorable bunny tights from Italian brand Calzedonia and throw on a wool dress or skirt to complete the look! Or if you’ve got a fancy date night coming up, get the diamond-lined stockings that end with a diamond playboy-esque bunny at the back of the ankles for a sexier touch. While you’re there, grab a few thermal tights at discounted prices thanks to CNY!

Bunny Luck Quilling Workshop

Want to make your own luck? Check out Annette Golden’s Bunny Luck Quilling workshop and create a beautiful and perhaps lucky piece of art in the form of the zodiac bunny. Children 8 and above are welcome to join the workshop and master the quilling technique in three hours! Scan the QR code in the poster below to register.

KEEP READING: Beware the Bunny Buying Craze for CNY, Plus Rabbits for Adoption!

Images: Pexels, courtesy of vendors

Whether you subscribe to the belief or not, the Chinese zodiac is certainly an entertaining story. But it has a downside as well, and that usually happens when it comes to the zodiac year of a cute domestic animal, such as this year’s Year of the Rabbit.

As rabbit-themed decorations and merchandise are taking center stage in Chinese malls and on online shopping platforms, the darker side of this bunny craze is seeing increased sales of live rabbits as pets. Local news sources report that a single pet store owner can sell as many as 20 to 30 pet rabbits each day in the lead-up to the Chinese New Year festival. Prices range from just RMB 10 to RMB 200 depending on how reputable the store is, and the breed and age of the rabbit.

While rabbits are absolutely adorable creatures, they are notoriously difficult to rear as pets due to their sensitive nature. Plus, the more unusual the breed, such as the super fluffy Angora, the more specific their needs and the more care they require. But of course this information is not being circulated as widely as photos and videos of these cute critters nibbling on carrots and looking like the perfect laid-back pet.

“Thirty percent more rabbits are abandoned in the Year of the Rabbit than usual,” reports the Rabbit Association of Singapore (RAS), which does not recommend young children raise rabbits. An RAS volunteer who was gifted a pet rabbit that died shortly afterwards warns the public not to gift other people pet rabbits in the hopes of good luck in the Year of the Rabbit, cautioning: “It’s not very expensive to buy a rabbit, but you need to take them to see a veterinarian once you bring them home. It costs hundreds of yuan to get them properly vaccinated and licensed. In addition, rabbits are easily prone to illness and their medical costs are very high.”

Most people are not even aware that the average lifespan of a rabbit goes beyond ten years! Is your family really ready for this decade-long commitment to raising a vulnerable life? If not, we suggest that parents get bunny toys for their little ones instead.

Alternatively, you could also adopt instead of shop. There are so many abandoned animals out there just hoping for a home. Check out these two cuties up for adoption right now!

KEEP READING: It’s Decided. Here’s How Much You SHOULD Give Ayi for CNY

Images: Pexels, Eve Kinsella

Most of us have been asked, “So what’s your sign?” If they’re cute you quip back oh I’m a Taurus, or a Sag – aka Sagittarius. However, if they’re not to your liking…well, generally you roll your eyes and go back to your drink. But if you want to throw them for a loop respond with I’m a rat, or monkey, or tiger! The Chinese have their own Zodiac system called 生肖 shengxiao.

Similar to its Western counterpart there are 12 signs – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig – but unlike the West, the signs correspond to years not months, nor are they associated with constellations.

The popular story goes that the Jade Emperor invited all of the animals to participate in a race celebrating his birthday. The first 12 animals to cross the finish line would each be assigned the honor of a rotating year in the new calendar. The last part of the race required them to cross the river and the clever rat convinced the ox to carry him across, but at the last minute jumped off the ox’s nose to land on the river bank first. This awarded him the first position in the calendar cycle. The ox came in second while the tiger – 2022 is a tiger year – placed third. As with most stories passed through the generations, the details have altered slightly over time but the general idea remains the same.

As we head into 2022’s Year of the Tiger I decided to investigate the supposed characteristics of each sign. Read on to find out what you and your little one are according to ancient Chinese tradition.

Rat Babies

Birth years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Rats are said to be ambitious, charming, and good at earning and saving money. They can be very loyal friends and clever employees but are also said to be tricksters and strategists who won’t directly lie to you, though they might not tell you the whole story if it serves their own interests.

Ox Babies

Birth years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Ox natives are said to be incredibly patient, steadfast, and hard working. But they can also be stubborn and a little materialistic. Loyal friends and thoughtful partners they are said to be choosy about who they give their time and energy to.

Tiger Babies

Birth years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Supposedly the most confident of the signs, tigers are smart, quick-witted, and highly magnetic personalities. But they can also come across as arrogant and selfish according to traditional wisdom.

Rabbit Babies

Birth years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are seen as the most artistic and romantic of the Zodiac signs. They have very refined sensibilities and a high level of taste but can be introverted which, when taken together, makes them seem judgmental or snobby.

Dragon Babies

Birth years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Dragons are seen as highly intelligent perfectionists that are generous and engaging but lack patience and have short tempers. They are often seen as egotistical but… that’s because they are cool, they are a freakin’ dragon!

Snake Babies

Birth years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Snakes don’t have the demonic reputation they are saddled with in the West. Instead, snakes are said to be the most beautiful and alluring of the signs. Their clever wit wins them many admirers but they can be very jealous and conniving towards rivals.

Horse Babies

Birth years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Horses are said to be strong, enthusiastic, and independent. They can be incredibly good at winning people over to their point of view but are also considered capricious and unreliable.

Goat/Sheep Babies

Birth years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Almost the exact opposite of their Western Capricorn counterparts, goat natives are easy-going and relaxed with an incredible penchant for creativity but have a reputation for being a little lazy and disorganized.

Monkey Babies

Birth years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

The natural entertainers of the Chinese Zodiac! Fun and lively with lots of energy, they are not glass half-full optimists, they are the glass is overflowing optimists. The life of the party has its downsides too. They are said to be unpredictable and lazy when unmotivated. This sign needs a spoon full of sugar to make the less desirable chores of life palatable.

Rooster Babies

Birth years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Rooster natives love a good adventure and can’t wait to try something new. They also have a charitable streak and love lifting others up. But they also have a reputation for being boastful about their altruism and even a little argumentative at times if you prick their pride.

Dog Babies

Birth years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Said to be the most trustworthy and loyal of all the signs. Dogs are also known as being intuitive and able to sniff out opportunities. Long-term planners, they are able to see projects through. But they can be anxious and often exhibit imposter syndrome.

Pig Babies

Birth years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Kind and generous, those born in the Year of the Pig have a reputation for loving comfort and luxury, as well as wanting to share it. This coupled with an outgoing personality means they are always surrounded by friends and good times but they can be impatient and petulant when things don’t go their way. They are also known for a bit of a lazy streak. In the zodiac story, the pig is often depicted as being last because he stopped for a snack and a rest.

Wishing you and your little one a Happy Chinese New year! 恭喜发财 Gong Xi Facai!

KEEP READING: Capture Beautiful Chinese New Year Photos at The Peninsula Hotel for Free

Images: Canva

A friend of mine recently had a baby shower and because her due date is actually on Chinese New Year, she received a lot of tiger-themed baby clothes. The cute little ears and whiskers stitched onto swaddling blankets and baby shoes got me thinking though: What characteristics are attributed to children born during this lunar year by traditional Chinese astrology? And what can we expect from all these little tiger babies?

A quick internet search revealed that those born in the year of the tiger are thought to have qualities such as strength and leadership. What’s more, they are viewed as intelligent, talkative, and playful but are also known for quick and aggressive tempers. They are considered honest, to a fault, and are often accused of being a little too frank with their opinions. Nevertheless, their strong sense of justice combined with confidence, generosity, and a big personality win them lots of friends and admirers.

Tigers are also seen as one of the most ambitious and hardworking of the Eastern signs, and one of the supposed dangers for this zodiac inhabitant is stress and self-imposed perfectionism. The upside to these traits? Tigers tend to make a good living. Especially in legal, leadership, and economic fields as they are big on fairness and good with their coin.

It turns out being a tiger is only half the story, the other half being their element. Wood, fire, earth, gold (metal), and water are the five elements that complement the zodiac signs. Each of the 12 signs has a fixed element, the tiger’s being wood, which is associated with creativity and playfulness. But, to further complicate matters, 2022 itself is marked by the water element which rules responsiveness, persuasion, and flexibility. This means that children born in February of this year will be known as Water Tigers – the last water tiger year was 1962! – and the flexibility of the water element may help curb their perfectionist tendencies while persuading others to see their creative vision. Not a terrible combination. In fact, Kate Spade, Tom Cruise, and Jon Stewart are all water tigers and all three are known for being detail-oriented, globally-minded, interested in social justice, and passionate, inspiring people.

But wait, there’s more! Traditional Chinese medicine has rules for each person’s sign and element as well. Because tigers are so active and strong, they are seen as having few medical issues. And yet, their high-stress levels can result in liver problems that are traditionally said to be linked with this sign, as well as injuries from participation in sporting events which are believed to be more common because of how competitive tigers can be and how hard they push themselves.

As with Western astrology, this is meant to be interesting and fun. You should take all of it with a heavy dose of salt as it is rooted in tradition, not science. Every little one is a unique individual with their own gifts and challenges. Enjoy your little tiger baby for the perfectly imperfect human they are!

KEEP READING: CNY Gift Sets and Toys for the Family To Learn and Play Together

Images: Canva

If you have been asked by your Chinese friend, “what is your zodiac sign?” don’t think they are making small talk. Not only will your age be revealed by your zodiac sign, people can also evaluate your personality, career prospects, and even love compatibility.

So what exactly is the Chinese zodiac?

The Chinese zodiac, or shēng xiāo (“born resembling”) is actually a 12-year cycle that’s calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar for over 2000 years since the Qing dynasty. Each year in the cycle is related to an animal sign, which are the rat (鼠, shǔ), ox (牛, niú), tiger (虎, hǔ), rabbit (兔, tù), dragon (龙, lóng), snake (蛇, shé), horse (马, mǎ), sheep (羊, yáng), monkey (猴, hóu), rooster (鸡, jī), dog (狗, gǒu), and pig (猪, zhū). 2019 is a year of the Pig, starting from February 5th 2019 and ending on January 24th 2020. Here are four things you might not know about the Pigs in your life.

Why the Pig came last

There are many versions of the legend relating to the Chinese zodiac in different regions. The most widespread one has it that one day the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝, yù huáng dà dì), which means the Heavenly Emperor in folklore, wanted to select 12 animals as the calendar signs. He spread the message that the earlier each one arrived, the higher rank they would be awarded. Every animal set off towards the heavenly gate the next day, but the pig overslept till he realized he was already late, and could only get the last place. Another version of the story says that the pig set off much earlier than the others, but because he walked so slowly, he was in last place by the time he arrived.

Personality of the Pig

If you say you are born in the year of Pig, people immediately know, you are either 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 years old, which means you are either born in 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, or 1959.

Pigs usually have great concentration: once they make their mind up, they devote themselves to their decision. They might not stand out in a crowd, but because they are realistic, diligent and energetic, they can make it up. However, they might be too honest or straightforward sometimes, and their pure hearts let them be cheated easily or get involved in a struggle in daily life.

Career prospects of the Pig

Pigs are usually very tolerant and gentle, and it’s hard for them to change jobs. They’ll settle things quickly and wish everyone lived a harmonious life. Jobs related to the environment, charity and social work might be suitable for them. If Pigs are interested in investments or going into business, they need to take some risks and be braver.

Love compatibility of the Pig

Some Chinese, especially the older generations, still believe certain animals get on better than the others, because they believe the right combination of animals can bring harmony to their families.

Best match: Rabbit, Goat, Tiger

They are both gentle, easy to compromise with, and know how to take care of one another. There will be no drama or turmoil in the relationship.

Worst match: Snake

They are not really compatible because neither of them is willing to share deep emotions with one another; they’d rather hide their dissatisfaction than get into a argument.

Happy Year of the Pig!

Photo: Shutterstock.com, Tatiana Ayazo/Rd.com

Did you know there’s Color of the Year 2017? It’s greenery as declared by Pantone Color Institute, whose forecasters had said in December that the hue was “symbolic of new beginnings.” When I called my parents back home on New Year’s Eve, I was kind of surprised to see my mother sporting a green shirt, or at least the closest color she had to the greenery color. In actuality, she has done the same thing every January 1st — wear the color said to trend and define the year. I started to follow her lead two or three years ago.

2017 is the Year of the (Fire) Rooster, and online soothsayers said those born under this animal year won’t be seeing the greenery pastures Pantone had declared in December. But US President Donald Trump, born in the Year of the (Fire) Dog, not surprisingly will have an interesting but unbalanced 2017.

The Chinese zodiac has specific characteristics for each of its 12 animals. Roosters are said to be loyal and punctual, owing to the nature of roosters as “alarm clocks” of farmers, and observant, communicative, and somewhat ambitious. Monkeys, who took center stage last year, are “wise, intelligent, loyal” even to the point that Geda the Mystical Monkey predicted Trump’s election.

In places where Chinese cultural influences are strong, it will not be surprising to see people lining up to fortune teller stalls to hear predictions of the future. Aside from the Chinese zodiac, there’s feng shui, a system based on the harmony of everyone and the environment. People I spoke to that have less knowledge of these Chinese beliefs find them amusing.

“It’s interesting,” said Ron Drisner, a student counselor from Canada, “[and]let’s just say I’m not gonna go to Vegas and like put any bets based on Chinese horoscope.” He didn’t realize he’s a Rooster until just several days ago. When I asked him if he has those Rooster characteristics, he said he probably hitting 50 percent of those. “Punctuality? I think my alarm clock and my [smart device]notifications take credit for punctuality, not my Chinese zodiac,” Drisner said.

When 11-year-old Jas Arora arrived in China 3 years ago to study, she found the Chinese tag every year with an animal. “It’s so surprising, because in India we don’t have years like that,” she said. I interviewed her at the YCIS Annual Temple Fair, where most expat children and staff were clad in traditional Chinese dresses called qipao. Just the day before the event, Arora’s teacher asked them to wear red to celebrate — and also informed students that Rooster’s won’t be so lucky this year. “It made me surprised and worried because I never knew that whenever it’s your year, it’s not gonna be a good year,” she said. But she was firm to say she doesn’t believe in Chinese zodiac and told me “[We] don’t know what will happen next. [We] don’t know the future.”

It’s true that we don’t know the future, but for my Chinese friends, one loses nothing by taking heed of the Chinese zodiac. Cindy Li told me these traditions have been in place for thousands of years, although she finds them somewhat “intriguing but boring.” She said she believes these cultural beliefs can somehow enlighten and help people interact with others and the environment.

Drisner said predictions shouldn’t make a “Year to Do This,” as there are many other things that would make your year fulfilling. “I guess it’s a belief in relationship [that matters]. Spend time with your family, hang out with other people,” he said, adding that just like unsustainable new years resolutions, forgetting what predictions tell you to do can be disempowering. Arora, on the other hand, said her future relies on her and not on any fortune tellers. “I should study hard to get good grades and I should be nice to everyone so that they’ll be nice to me too,” she said.

This Chinese New Year ushers in the Year of the Snake – extra special in our household as it’s my oldest daughter’s symbol. Many of my friends are in the same boat, wondering what Chinese beliefs may hold true in our own children, good or bad, so I looked up some of the typical characteristics and expectations for the coming year.

Chinese legend has it that if there was a snake in the house, the family would always be free from want, and they would never starve. Good to know, for sure! 

Snakes are considered to be intelligent and wise – yet also cunning and clever, scheming in a calculating manner. Uh oh, for those of us with middle-schoolers. Not exactly what we want to hear. However, snakes also plan to achieve their goals, and they are intuitive with a sixth sense. They are thinkers who ponder ideas, and they are cool during a crisis. Not bad traits to have.

Parents of snakes will nod their head in agreement to hear that their kids can be headstrong and willful. Snakes also have a vivid memory, which in part explains why my own daughter is so good at arguing with me. They tend to pout and hold grudges when embarrassed or angry, such as if they are picked on or upset – be careful of snakes lashing out if this happens.

Snakes are also kind and vibrant, introspective and refined. They tend to like calm environments as they are easily stressed, yet they do not become flustered easily. Sleep and relaxation are important to snakes.

Preferring to work alone, snakes are sometimes seen as slackers. However, they are calculated workers and meet their deadlines, just at their own pace. This must be frustrating for teachers, and certainly during homework time every weekday!

I found the friendship portion rather interesting, as it’s a fluctuating presence in our adolescent’s life. Surprisingly, snakes don’t keep a large group of friends, although they love social functions. They are rather hard to get to know because they keep feelings locked inside. They are quite loyal to the close friends they do have, but friends should know not to betray a snake or there may be retaliation. I marvel that my own daughter easily floats from one group of friends to another, without having a regular clique that she sticks with. Now I might understand why – it’s just not her nature!

Snakes are materialistic and like to keep up with the Joneses, although they tend not to like shopping (here’s where my daughter most definitely differs from the typical snake!). They like luxury, especially on vacation, and they like comfort in their home décor.

Snakes like to feel safe and secure; they like protection. They can be possessive and jealous, making them irritable or quick tempered, but that’s mostly because they are intense and passionate people. Some of their dislikes? Being interrupted (oops…), being misled, and failure. Not too unreasonable.

The Year of the Dragon is considered to be extremely lucky due to the power of the animal. Since the Year of the Snake follows, it is sometimes called “little dragon” with some of that power and luck aura rubbing off onto the snake person. There is nothing boring in the life of a person born in the year of the snake!

Each year, the zodiac animal is tempered by one of the five elements, this year being water. Specific characteristics for the snake born in the year of the water element are: they are influential and insightful; they manage others well and are good for organizations; they are motivated and intellectual, determined and resolute; they want to be rewarded for efforts; and they are affectionate with families and friends.

What might you expect your snake child to grow up to be? The Chinese believe the following occupations suit them best: scientist, potter, analyst, jeweler, spiritual leader, sociologist, dietician, astrologer, magician, investigator or painter. Do you see your child becoming one of these someday?

Lucky colors for snakes are red and yellow, and lucky numbers are 2, 4 and 9. And, one reason not to dislike Mondays anymore, it’s the lucky day of the week for snakes!

So, take it for what it is, an ancient blueprint on how a person born in the Year of the Snake tends to be. My snake is proud to have her year highlighted, so here’s hoping we all have a wonderful Year of the Snake!