That’s the traditional Chinese New Year greeting that means “wishing you prosperity” in Mandarin. I’m wishing a Happy Chinese New Year to the billions of people around the world that are celebrating this joyous holiday!

The celebration lasts 15 days each year and the New Year falls between January 21st and February 21st.  Each year is associated with one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac: the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit (some astrologers refer to it as Cat), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar (some astrologers refer to it as Pig).

I myself was born under the year of the Ox and in western astrology am considered a Capricorn so I’m a capricorn/ox.  If you want to find out more about your Chinese zodiac sign I suggest getting the book The New Astrology by Suzanne White. I think she’s brilliant and I love her work on astrology. 

“This is a year of  water Snake, and all things will be possible.  Saving money and being thrifty should be your top priorities.  Delusion and deception are common in the year of water Snake.  Stay alert!  To gain the greatest benefits from this year, you must control spending and use your talents wisely.  If you are planning to get married or to begin a business partnership, be sure to thoroughly investigate the other person’s finances and background before you legalize the alliance.”