Chinese New Year – Year of the Dog

The 2018 Chinese New Year begins on Friday, February 16th.

And the party continues until March 2nd. This is the longest holiday in the Chinese calendar – almost 15 days.

A number of years ago Chinese New Year was referred to as “The Spring Festival”. Most of the major celebrations were held in Asian countries with little impact in the Western world. Now that we live in a global community, the New Year holiday contributes both economic influences and has enormous cultural significance around the world.

According to Chinese Lunar,  2018 is the Year of the Dog. The Chinese animal zodiac is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year being represented by an animal and its reputed attributes. Traditionally these zodiac animals were used to date the years.

The Dog is the eleventh sign in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The Years of the Dog include 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042, etc. The Chinese regard Dog as an “auspicious” animal. If Dog happens to come to a house, it symbolizes the coming of fortune.

2018 is Year of the Dog

The Chinese Horoscope 2018 predicts that this year of the Brown Earth Dog is going to be a good year in all respects, but it will also be an exhausting year filled with happiness, frustration, cheerfulness and some dullness. The Earth dog represents loyalty and generosity – this is an ethical and idealistic energy. A year of social awareness, slow and steady growth. Thinking big will bring a series of small victories this year to those whose creativity and quick thinking will lead them to new frontiers of improvements.

The 2018 year is a year to pay attention to getting sufficient rest.  Refreshed and regenerated, the Dog will accelerate the initiation of all things. The downside to his is that it will also present pressure and stress in everyday life.

According to Chinese astrology, 2018 is a good year for financial dealings. Unfortunately, it may also be a little difficult from a health point of view. In the year of the dog, all zodiac signs will want to pay special attention to their health. The 2018 year is the ideal time to start eating healthy, doing sports and getting rid of bad habits.

Not Just Any Old Dog

We all know that Dog is man’s best friend. Dog understands the human’s spirit. Dog (mostly) obeys its master. Dog could care less whether its master is wealthy or not. Overall, Dog is animated and attractive, amiable and unpretentious, loyal and trustworthy. Dog generally gets along with others, protect the interests of its master more than itself. Dog is not too demanding and is very likable, honest, intelligent and straightforward

Although this is the Year of the Dog, it the year of the Brown Earth Dog.  Each year has 1 of 5 “elements” attached to it. Those elements will be either Wood, Water, Fire, Earth or Metal (sometimes referred to as Gold). This means that if each zodiac appears every 12 years and each sign will be associated with one of five different elements.

The Earth Dog is kind, tolerant, honest, and a leader. This Dog will only take place once every 60 years. The last Earth Dog was in 1958.

People of the Earth Dog

People of the Earth element, born in a Dog year, are able to distinguish good from bad. They are characterized as loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable and smart. They are committed in their efforts and their dedicated attitude toward life means they will stick things out to the bitter end because they are not afraid of difficulties.

The personality of people born in the Year of the Dog will be valiant, loyal, responsible, clever, courageous and. Lively. Although Dog itself may seem as if they are not good at dealing with people, Earth Dogs are very communicative. It’s their philosophy to “go your own way, let others talk”. In their day to day life, Dog has a harmonious dynamic with the people closest to them.

The weaknesses of the Earth Dog are being too sensitive, conservative, stubborn and emotional. On the other hand, Dog is practical and fearless. Being the owner of a sharp tongue, Dog battles with being unrealistic and outspoken at times.

Dogged Careers

Anyone born in an Earth Dog year will be communicative, serious, ambitious and responsible in the workplace. Due to their loyal personality, Dogs tend to choose a career based on the principle of serving others.

Dogs are seen as valuable employees as they put their heart and soul into their tasks. This results in their having a high chance of success and this will be more obvious in 2018. Although Dog will work hard when it wants to there may also be a certain “lie by the fire” laziness.

During the Year of the Earth Dog, those in a business might want to focus on real estate projects, technical aspects, thermal power projects, or culture projects. These areas will be best rewarded and provide the greatest career development.

Recommended careers for Dogs include a police officer, scientist, counselor, interior designer, professor, politician, priest, nurse, clerk, and judge.

The Zodiac Circle

The 12 zodiac animals were chosen deliberately and are either closely related to ancient Chinese people’s daily lives, or have lucky meanings.

The Ox, Horse, Goat, Rooster, Pig, and Dog are six of the main domestic animals raised by Chinese people. The other six animals: Rat, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, and Monkey are all loved by the Chinese people.

The 12 Chinese Zodiac animals are in a fixed order according to Chinese Yin and Yang Theory and their perceived attributes. The yin or the yang of the animals is defined based on the odd or even number of their claws (or toes, hoofs). The animals are then arranged in an alternating (complimentary) yin-yang sequence. Usually, an animal has is the same number of claws on its front and rear legs. However, the rat has four toes on its forelegs and five on its hind legs.

Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs

Each person’s Chinese Zodiac sign is derived from their birth year in the Chinese lunar calendar.  Unfortunately, it is bad luck when your zodiac year comes around. Based on the twelve-year cycle, expect your less lucky years to be at the ages of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, etc.

Your Year – Your Horoscope

How to be Lucky in Your Zodiac Year

Chinese New Year’s Day Taboos 

To be avoided on the first day of the festival

• Medicine: Taking medicine on the first day of the lunar year means one will get ill for a whole year.
• New Year’s Breakfast: Porridge should not be eaten because it is considered that only poor people have porridge for breakfast – and people don’t want to start the year “poor”.
• Laundry: People do not wash clothes on the first and second day because these two days are celebrated as the birthday of the Water God.
• Washing Hair: Hair must not be washed on the first day of the lunar year.
• Sharp Objects: The use of knives and scissors is to be avoided as any accident is thought to lead to inauspicious things and the depletion of wealth.
• Going Out: A woman may not leave her house otherwise she will be plagued with bad luck for the entire coming year. A married daughter is not allowed to visit the house of her parents as this is believed to bring bad luck to the parents, causing economic hardship for the family.
• The Broom: If you sweep on this day then your wealth will be swept away too.
• Crying Children: The cry of a child is believed to bring bad luck to the family so parents do their best to keep children as happy as possible.
• Theft: Having your pocket picked is believed to portend your whole wealth in the coming year being stolen.
• Debt: Money should not be lent on New Year’s Day and all debts have to be paid by New Year’s Eve. If someone owes you money, do not go to their home to demand it. Anyone who does so will be unlucky all year.
• An Empty Rice Jar: A depleted receptacle may cause grave anxiety as the cessation of cooking during the New Year period is considered to be an ill omen.
• Damaged Clothes: Wearing threadbare garments can cause more bad luck for the year.
• Killing Things: Blood is considered an ill omen, which will cause misfortunes such as a knife wound or a bloody disaster.
• Monochrome Fashion: White or black clothes are barred as these two colours are traditionally associated with mourning.
• Giving of Certain Gifts: Clocks, scissors, and pears all have a bad meaning in Chinese culture.

A Fun Look at the Year of the Dog

Famous Dogs

Gung Hay Fat Choy!!