Chinese New Year Is Coming!

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By Maria Kruk

One of the upcoming events these days is Chinese New Year. Global society has already celebrated this holiday several weeks ago, but it is indisputable fact that many are looking forward to Chinese water snake come into effect. In very deed, 2013 is a year of black water snake, which is a symbol of wisdom. In particular, Chinese people decorate their houses and streets with festive images and snake symbols that leads to unbelievable rush.

According to the calendar, adopted in China and in other countries of the East, each year is marked by an animal completing the 12-year cycle. A person born in a certain year receives a number of inherent properties, depending on which his destiny is created. Therefore, the popularity of the calendar in the East is very high. It is interesting to know that Chinese zodiac dates back to Buddha times, as far as legends tell. One of them features a nice story of how Buddha called animals before his leaving. However, only twelve animals have come to say goodbye to the spiritual teacher. In his turn, he granted every animal being with one-year rule, in the order they came to him. In this context, the list goes in such a way: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

The other legend tells that the Jade Emperor sent down his servant, which had to choose and call the 12 most beautiful animals. First servant saw a rat and invited it to the emperor. Servant also selected the following animals – Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (Sheep), Monkey, Rooster and Dog. They were also invited to the meeting with the Emperor.

Regardless the age of these legends, they still keep being important in China and other Eastern countries. It is a fact of common knowledge that people in these lands are adhered to ancient traditions and customs, which include not the celebration itself, but preparation as well. Namely, it is associated with closing debts and arranging financial matters of previous year, decoration of houses and buildings, sending postcards – everything sticks to symbols of Chinese zodiac. In addition, on the very day and during following week, many festive events take place, such as dragon dances, festivals and all kinds of sports. And, of course, the holiday spirit is also not limited to one day –it lasts long after the New Year. Happy New Year, I must say!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/astrology-articles/chinese-new-year-is-coming-6441480.html

About the Author

Maria Kruk, an author for Fontsy.com

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