CNY Melbourne

Melbourne Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year Melbourne

A bit more about Chinese New Year

We answer the questions we’re sure everyone is asking…

Why is the lunar calendar different to the Gregorian calendar? The western or Gregorian calendar is based on the earth’s orbit around the sun, while the lunar calendar – used by most Asian countries – uses the moon’s orbit around the earth.

What are the origins of Chinese New Year? The celebration is based on a centuries-old tale of an angry monster called Nian (nian also happens to be the Chinese word for year). On the first day of the year it would terrorise villagers and eat livestock, crops and even children. One wise old man told the villagers to chase away Nian by beating loudly on drums and letting off firecrackers. Nian was also afraid of the colour red, so he advised they hang red lanterns outside their homes. Nian was defeated and eventually captured by a Taoist monk called Hongjun Laozu.

What traditions are associated with Chinese New Year? In China, families travel far to be in their hometowns during the 15 days of celebration. People thoroughly clean their homes to remove any bad fortune and leave room for incoming luck. Foods such as sweet rice cake and dumplings, which symbolise prosperity, are served. Sometimes children are given red envelopes containing money. These days, some of the traditions – dragon and lion dances, fireworks, drumming and the hanging of lanterns ­– are practised around the world.

What shouldn’t I do on Chinese New Year? Don’t clean your house! For the first five days, you should avoid housework, especially sweeping, since it will sweep away good luck and fortune. You shouldn’t wash your hair on the first day of the New Year either, since that also symbolises the washing away of future prosperity.

What’s your Chinese zodiac?

You were born 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Your sign is the Rat

What’s so good about rats? They’re thoughtful and steady, but sometimes overly cautious. They tend to have a positive outlook and look past bad times to what the future may hold.

 

You were born 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Your sign is the Ox

What’s so good about oxes? If you know someone who is disciplined and successful but wary of sudden changes, she could be an ox. They make friends quickly but take their time forging deeper connections.

 

You were born 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Your sign is the Tiger

What’s so good about tigers? Think about tigers. They’re strong but a bit mysterious. It’s the same for those born under this sign. They are stable and hold in their feelings, although when they decide to act they do so suddenly.

 

You were born 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Your sign is the Rabbit

What’s so good about rabbits? Kind, easy-going and calm, rabbits also tend to be very organised. They like a plan, are happiest when they know what’s going on and are great in charge when something has to happen.

 

You were born 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Your sign is the Dragon

What’s so good about dragons? Much like the mythical beast, a dragon can be extreme – things tend to go very well or completely fail for them. This just gives them a balanced view of the world, and a strong sense of morals.

 

You were born 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Your sign is the Snake

What’s so good about snakes? You can tell a snake what to do, but they’d rather find out themselves. It can look as though they’re distrustful, but they are just living life to their own plan. For all that, though, they don’t like to be alone.

 

You were born 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Your sign is the Horse

What’s so good about horses? You’ll never wonder what a horse means. They’re very straightforward, getting across their own point of view but patient while listening to others’. They’re also incredibly loyal and make great friends and partners.

 

You were born 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

Your sign is the Goat (Sheep)

What’s so good about goats and sheep? They find comfort in forming habits and good planning – there’s generally nothing impulsive about this sign. You’ll need to earn a goat’s trust before they let you into their life, but once there it should be smooth sailing.

 

You were born 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Your sign is the Monkey

What’s so good about monkeys? When an opportunity comes the way of a monkey, he grabs on to it. Life, for them, is all about action and learning along the way. Sometimes this works out for the best; other times not so much. As they get older, monkeys channel this energy into new careers and hobbies.

 

You were born 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Your sign is the Rooster

What’s so good about roosters? Why does the rooster crow in the morning? It’s instinct, and people born under this sign should let this guide them. It allows the rooster to get on with life, rather than overthink everything. Because if they get caught in their own heads, they can lose sight of the big picture.

 

You were born 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Your sign is the Dog

What’s so good about dogs? That person who always seems lost in thought? He’s probably a dog. Intelligent, deep and blessed with a rich inner life, dogs tend to live a fairly serious existence. They don’t see the need to impress others and follow their own paths.

 

You were born 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Your sign is the Pig

What’s so good about pigs? They’re such gentle beings, beautiful pigs, and they are acutely aware of what’s going on in both their own lives and those of the people around them. They’re empathetic, easy to talk to and, should they drift from their path, with a little focus can steer themselves back.

Image credit: ©  Xuen Che, 12 jade zodiac, creative commons

What’s the Year of the Goat all about?

We can all agree that 2014 was, well, tumultuous. But with the imminent arrival of Chinese New Year on 19 February, what can we expect for 2015, the Year of the Goat? Breathe a sigh of relief because Chinese astrologists predict better times to come, with the political and economic instability of the past few years finally coming to an end. In fact, one epoch is replacing another and we’re entering a time of healing and compromise. Trust in the goodness of the world, the astrologists say, and happiness and success will follow.

For those whose Chinese zodiac sign is the goat (you were born in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 or 2003) this is going to be a good year. Put it all out there and take calculated risks. Ask for what you really need in life, strive towards your goals and they’ll come to you. Looking for love? Do a self-spruce and get out there. Unsatisfied at work? Take a class in what really interests you or have your resumé professionally drafted before you send it out. There’s no end to what you can achieve this year, but you need to do your part.

Goat characteristics: generous, kind-hearted, creative, persuasive, sometimes stubborn, prefers the outdoors

Jobs for goats: actor, teacher, florist, editor

Famous goats: Coco Chanel, Nicole Kidman, Bill Gates, Mick Jagger

 

 

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