2020 Chinese New Year

     This year, Chinese New Year started on the 25th of January. This year’s animal is the year of the Rat. In Chinese culture, each animal represents different personalities/characteristics for each year. Twelve animals are cycled throughout every lunar new year including the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Since 2020 is the year of the Rat, it is said to be a sign of abundance and wealth, and that people born during this year are most likely to be intelligent, creative, resourceful, and have the ability to form strong social bonds.

     Chinese New Year’s beginning was never officially recorded, however, many believe that it originated from the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC). The tradition started as an outcome of religious observances and marks the start of spring. The main activities that are included in celebrating this Chinese holiday are making offerings to household deities, wearing new clothes (usually red), hosting a large banquet for family and friends, and taking part in activities like lion and dragon dances. The reason why Chinese culture wear red is because red is China’s good luck color, believed to scare away the spirits of bad fortune. 

     “During the Shang Dynasty, people would hold sacrificial ceremonies in honor of gods and ancestors at the beginning or end of each year,” said Villagomez. 

     If you are curious about learning which Chinese animal represents you,  look up the zodiac calculator and find the year of your birth, which will then show you the animal that represents your characteristics and personalities.