Chinese New Year is an exciting holiday that reaches around the globe to give us all an exciting taste of ancient Chinese tradition.
This important festival is more than just authentic Chinese cuisine, instead representing the beginning of the Chinese calendar based on the moon cycles of the year. The exact date of the Chinese New Year varies year to year and often falls between 21st January and 20th February. Be prepared and don’t get caught out as this year’s celebration begins on 16th February.
An ancient celebration steeped in traditional myths and customs, with the intent to honour the deities and family ancestors. A major holiday not just for the Chinese, this annual festival is also celebrated by China’s neighbours including Malaysia, Thailand, Mauritius and even Australia, it is fair to say this traditional holiday has become increasing popular around the globe.
What’s in store for the Year of the Dog?
We are all familiar with the Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs, so what exactly does the dog represent?
As you may expect from the dog, this animal symbolises loyalty and honesty; people who are born during the Year of the Dog are believed to possess the best traits of human nature: honest, friendly, faithful, loyal, smart and contain a strong sense of responsibly.
Like most of the zodiac signs there is a yin and yang to the characteristics of the Dog. While strong, caring and loyal, these traits can also manifest into being cold, stubborn and critical.
So, how do you know if you were born under the Year of the Dog? Born during: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018? Your Chinese Zodiac Animal sign is that of the dog.
For those born under this zodiac sign, there are many exciting events coming your way this year. During the Year of the Dog there will be many opportunities for you to gain motivation and review all your many achievements you have earned up until this point. With happiness being at the forefront of all your actions, you can expect a successful and positive year ahead.
Even for those who were not born under the Year of the Dog, the year ahead brings celebration and positivity for all Zodiac Animal Signs. If you are wanting to celebrate the New Year in style and make 2018 a year to remember, why not try cooking up your own authentic Chinese takeaway. Instead of opting for a takeaway from your local Chinese restaurant, cook up a tasty and healthy alternative using our selection of recipes taken from Jeremy Pang’s latest cookbook Hong Kong Diner.