The Year of the Dog
迎春接福 – “Greet the New Year and encounter happiness”!
We may be a little partial to this Chinese New Year, but who can blame us? It’s the Year of the Dog!
The Chinese New Year is a two-week long celebration observed prominently in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Thailand and many other countries with large Chinese populations. The holiday is typically centered around red and gold paper lanterns and decorations, music, open-air markets, auspicious greetings and wishes for happiness, health, and prosperity. It is common for families to gather for meals and give gifts – often money given in red envelopes.
Each year is marked by one of 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac wheel and one of four elements (metal, wood, fire and earth).
Today signals the beginning of the Year of the Earth Dog! It is thought that people take on the characteristics of their birth year animal, so if you were born during the Year of the Dog – you got lucky!
Dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty, huge hearts, and kind dispositions. They are adventurous, smart, eager to please and brave animals. These qualities are some of the reasons most people consider them to be their favorite animals – and we couldn’t agree more!