This February marks the turn of the Chinese lunar calendar, and 2015 is the Year of the Goat. The New Year is celebrated in China and around the world with centuries-old traditions including lion dances, giving of red envelopes (containing small monetary gifts), and decorating windows and doors with red paper. Families and friends gather during this special time to share meals, watch fireworks, and make way for incoming good fortune.
Ancient legends say that the Chinese New Year began with an epic battle against a mythical beast called the Year. The Year lived in the sea and had the body of an ox and the head of a lion. On New Year's Eve, the beast would venture onto land to gobble up people and animals, and destroy farms and homes. Eventually, it was discovered that the Year had three distinct fears: the color red, fire, and loud sounds. So for protection, people began decorating their homes with red paper lanterns and launching fireworks. While the Year hasn't shown his face in quite some time, these traditions hold strong among Chinese communities everywhere.
According to Chinese astrology, those born in the Year of the Goat (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027) are calm, creative, thoughtful, gentle, honest, persevering and generous. So in the spirit of the generous goat, we're offering a special discount on our Chinese Studies journals for institutions. To get a 10% discount on the journal of your choice, email [email protected], and quote "Year of the Goat."
Are you curious about Chinese Astrology and New Year traditions? Enjoy these free articles from our archives:
Astrological Divination at the Tang Court
Religious Motifs in Chinese New Year's Greeting Cards
Ancient legends say that the Chinese New Year began with an epic battle against a mythical beast called the Year. The Year lived in the sea and had the body of an ox and the head of a lion. On New Year's Eve, the beast would venture onto land to gobble up people and animals, and destroy farms and homes. Eventually, it was discovered that the Year had three distinct fears: the color red, fire, and loud sounds. So for protection, people began decorating their homes with red paper lanterns and launching fireworks. While the Year hasn't shown his face in quite some time, these traditions hold strong among Chinese communities everywhere.
According to Chinese astrology, those born in the Year of the Goat (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027) are calm, creative, thoughtful, gentle, honest, persevering and generous. So in the spirit of the generous goat, we're offering a special discount on our Chinese Studies journals for institutions. To get a 10% discount on the journal of your choice, email [email protected], and quote "Year of the Goat."
Are you curious about Chinese Astrology and New Year traditions? Enjoy these free articles from our archives:
Astrological Divination at the Tang Court
Religious Motifs in Chinese New Year's Greeting Cards