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LUNAR NEW YEAR - YEAR OF THE FIRE MONKEY - 2016
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2016 is year of the Fire Monkey
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The
Cycles of the Chinese (Asian) Zodiac
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There are two cycles – the twelve-year cycle and the great cycle that lasts for 60 years. The great cycle is the combination of the twelve animals and the Five Elements, based on the five complete journeys of Jupiter. There are five variations of each of the animals. For example, a person could be born in the year of the Metal Monkey, Water Monkey, Wood Monkey, Fire Monkey or Earth
Monkey.
One
example of the importance of the 60 year cycle is Kanreki ("Kan" means cycle +
"Reki" means calendar in Japanese). It is a
time for Japanese (and other Asian cultures) to celebrate their lives as
they have completed the cycle - 12 years and 5 animals. The concept of
"longevity" is very important in Asian cultures.
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Preparations
for the Chinese New Year
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Chinese
New Year begins based on the Lunar Calendar with the New Moon, and lasts 15 days, ending with the Full Moon. The last day of the New Year is called "The Lantern Festival" and people celebrate by organizing a parade with children carrying lanterns.
Preparations begin well in advance. The old year is ending so one must bring things to a close in order to welcome a new year and begin fresh. This includes paying off debts & settling accounts; evaluation of the past year and the failures & fortunes; spiritual and physical cleansing--getting rid of negative attitudes, cleaning one's home and office.
During the celebration of New Years, people renew friendships, exchange gifts, dine on special foods meant to bring prosperity, good fortune, longevity, and happiness.
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