Year of the (Golden) Fire Pig

In keeping with my celebration of Chinese New Year, I figure it would only be fitting to learn a little about it.  Also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, it is a two week celebration recognized internationally in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and other Asian communities.  (Not just China, as I had originally thought.)

2007 (4705 on the Lunar calender) is the year of the Pig and anticipated to be the year of “closure and completion” due to the pig being the last animal in the 12 year cycle.  There are 12 animal signs under the Chinese zodiac – rat, ox, tiger, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, rabbit, dog and pig.  Much like Western Astrology, each is said to have different characteristics.  Persons born in the year of the Pig are said to be easy-going, lucky, loyal, caring, trustworthy, industrious and sometimes naive. 

However, this year is believed (rumored) to be an exceptional year due to the combination of the element Fire, the sign Pig, and the Yin/Yang components creating a “Golden” Pig.  It has been said that the Chinese and Koreans have taken this “Golden” prophecy to the next level by planning marriages and births around this very special year.  Sources have reported that there could be an increase in fertility this year by at least 10%.  Children born in this year are believed to be twice blessed with happiness, wealth, luck and prosperity.

Here in New York, there are many celebrations around the city, especially in Chinatown.  Today, there will be firework spectaculars and ceremonies, in an attempt to ward off evil spirits.  Followed by many on-going festivals and cultural celebrations.  The Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade will take place next Sunday, which is an international event featuring spectacular floats, costumes, musicians, dancers and other performers.  An event I’ve always wanted to see, but, somehow, have never managed to make.  Maybe this year will be different… 

Gung Hay Fat Choy!  Happy Year of the Pig!