Great Weather for Bing-xu

Yes, it's 4704, the Year of the Dog. The weather according to Shasta's pet page looks great, for here in Phoenix anyway. The Chinese new Year celebration starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. So, we have a new moon tonight.

The Chinese use of the lunar cycle to determine the New Year dates from about 2600 B.C. The lunar calendar is yearly. There are 12 *animals.* The New Year date varies , falling sometime between late January and the middle of February.

Before the day, much preparation is made. The house is completely cleaned, to cleanse away any bad luck. Door and window panes are painted a fresh coat of red to ward off evil spirits. Then they are decorated with colorful calligraphy called *chun lian* featuring themes for happiness and longevity. The New Year's Eve dinner is usually a feast of seafood and dumplings, with several foods signifying different good wishes.

On New Year's day, an ancient custom called *Hong Bao,* meaning Red Packet, is observed. This involves married couples putting money in red envelopes and giving it to children and unmarried adults.

On the first day of the new year, many people abstain from meat because it is believed this will ensure them long and happy lives.
On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors and gods.
Third and fourth days are meant for men to spend time with their in-laws. (Ooooh, that could be a scary one).
On the fifth day, called *Po Woo,* when people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits with family or friends, to do so could bring bad luck to both parties.
From the sixth day to the tenth day, the Chinese visit their families and friends. They also visit the temple to pray for good fortune and health.
Day seven is when the farmers display their produce. Noodles are eaten to promise longevity and raw fish for success.
Eight day we find family reunion dinners held, and on the ninth day, offerings are made to the Jade Emperor.
On the tenth through the twelveth day, friends and familiy are invited to dinner. On the thirteenth day, simple rice congee and musterd greens to balance out the rich food eaten over the past several days. It cleanse the system.
The forteenth day si spent preparing to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which marks the culmination of the new year on the 15th night of the celebration.

Pretty interesting about how other cultures do things.

I got to thinking about the signs of the Chinese calender and the zodiac signs. I would be a *seahorse.* Horse in Chinese and Pisces in the zodiac thing.