Friday 16th February marks the first day of the Chinese New Year and did you know that 2018 is the year of the dog?
Also known as Spring Festival, it is celebrated by many Asian countries and Asian populations worldwide.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated across the globe and large planned events to see in the New Year can be found much closer to home, such as Manchester and London.
Celebrations usually take the form of parades and fireworks, with families coming together to enjoy plenty of food, dressing in traditional costumes and taking part in the hanging of lucky red lanterns.
The Chinese zodiac goes through a 12-year Lunar cycle with different animals representing the 12 signs of the zodiac. These are the rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, monkey, horse, ox, goat, rooster, pig and the dog. So those who were born in the years 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and now 2018 are known as Dogs thanks to their Chinese zodiac sign.
The Chinese custom defines that the year that you are born in and your zodiac animal determines certain personality traits. Typically, those born in the year of the dog zodiac are honest, serious, friendly, loyal, smart, communicative and highly responsible – characteristics that are familiar with our canine friends.
So, whilst 2018 may be particularly lucky for those born in the year of the dog, it is believed that this year will be a good time for everyone and anyone to begin lifestyle changes or even start new business ventures!
Dogs and symbols of dogs are hoped to bring luck this year. They are the sign of intelligence and protection, so this year should be a good one…