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Chinese New Year: Year of the Sheep

On February 1, 2003, it’s a whole new year. Chinese New Year starts with the new moon on the first day on the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated with the family, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. This yearly celebration involves many traditions and customs including:

• leaning the entire house before New Year’s Eve;
• putting away all brooms and other cleaning equipment so good fortune is not swept away;
• shooting off firecrackers to send out the old and welcome in the New Year and;
• wearing red since it is considered a bright, happy colour and will bring the wearer a sunny future.

This is the year of the Sheep. Those born under this sign are often called the Good Samaritans of the cycle. Many believe that good fortune smiles on the Sheep because of his pure nature and kind heart. He is the eighth sign, symbolizing prosperity and comfort.

The calming influence of the Sheep will make this year smooth, especially following the energetic Horse of last year. This is a year to relax and make peace with oneself as well as others. The Sheep, known for gentleness and compassion, will slow things down and draw us closer to home and our families. You may find yourself feeling more sentimental and emotional and being more liberal with your time and money.

Hopefully, the Sheep’s love of harmony and ability to coexist with his enemies will preserve this year from turmoil. Wars, international rivalries and strife usually end in the year of the Sheep.

This is not a year for whirlwind activities, but one for introspection. But just to make sure the year is a healthy and happy one, do not use knives or scissors on New Year’s Day as this may cut off good fortune.