The Year of the Tiger has arrived.
And no, I'm not talking about Tiger Woods and his apology. What I'm talking about is the Lunar New Year.
As you know, the Asian Festival has come and gone. For the past 23 years, UTSA's Institute for Texan Cultures has celebrated the new year.
Those born in the years 1914, 1926, 1938, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 (and of course 2010) were born in the year of the Tiger. It's the fourth animal in the 12-animal cycle of the Chinese calendar. According to the website for the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco (www.c-c-c.org), those born in the year of the Tiger are thought to be "sensitve, given to deep thinking, and capable of great sympathy." Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons and Dogs.
Other qualities Tigers possess are courage, adventurous, and generous to loved ones. They're also admired for their playful personality.
Famous people who born in this year include Karl Marx, Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood and Dwight Eisenhower, to name a few.
This is an important traditional holiday. Lunar New Year is also celebrated in some Asian countries, outside of mainland China and its territories. Sometimes called the Spring Festival, the holiday begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar. This year the new year was on Valentine's Day, February 14th, which was another reason to wear anything red that weekend. Red's vibrant color represents good luck in China. The holiday is a family affair that lasts 15 days and concludes with the Lantern Festival, a celebration that takes place at night with lantern displays.
Some of the customs and traditions include cleaning out the house to "sweep away bad luck and make room for good luck." Homeowners decorate windows and doors with the color red that have themes of happiness, wealth and long life. Food plays a big part in the event. Many times you'll see meals that include pork, duck, chicken and desserts. The family ends the night with firecrackers. Children wake up the next morning and receive money in red paper envelopes, as a symbol of good luck and wealth.
Just when you thought the new year was over, think again. It just started and the celebration ends February 28th. Enjoy and Gong Hay Fat Choy... Best Wishes and Have A Prosperous New Year!
And by the way, in case you're wondering, Tiger Woods was born in the year of the rabbit which is next year. Maybe 2011 will be better for him.
