Happy Chinese New Year. Also known as the Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, the festivities begin January 25th and conclude February 8th. Have you slipped with your good intentions, or maybe you haven’t even started your resolutions? Perhaps this is your opportunity to set aside the past and embrace your new moon lunar restart.
2020 is the year of the rat, the first animal of the calendar cycle. A myth recounts the legend of the Jade Emperor issuing a party invitation. He declared he would decide the animals’ placement in the zodiac, based on their order of arrival. The Rat asked his friend the Ox for a ride. As they reached the Emperor’s palace, the Rat jumped from the Ox’s back and entered ahead of him. Can we all take a page from the Rat’s story and get a jump on our goals?
There are taboos we should consider. One is not to use negative words, while another cautions us to avoid fighting and crying. If you ask me, that is excellent advice no matter the season.
The best tradition is purchasing a new wardrobe. They deem it auspicious as it offers protection from evil spirits. They further say to select red and skip black and white, colors that are unlucky and negative. A fresh collection of clothes, a second chance at a reboot, and the promise of finding my rightful place are encouraging. I am ready to kick off these celebrations.
How will you honor the start of the lunar new year?
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Keep on writing.
Jo Hawk The Writer