Happy Lunar New Year! In honor of the new year and the intentional day of rest, I’m sharing some light reading today.
- For most countries celebrating the lunar new year, it is the year of the rabbit but in Vietnam, it is the year of the cat. There is no clear explanation for why the zodiac animal differs this year. The other time that the animal differs is when Vietnamese new year’s celebrate the buffalo instead of the ox.
- Year of the Water Rabbit: The rabbit is a strong symbol for fertility, joy, peace and hope with a soft, kind energy. This year, focus on rest and relaxation, introspection and contemplation, and working smarter, not harder. Nurturing relationships, giving and receiving compassion and empathy are strong themes around the rabbit. Being the year of the Water Rabbit, fortune is on the horizon as water means fortune. Black is the color for water in traditional Chinese culture so this year is also called the year of the “Black Rabbit.”
- Year of the Water Cat: Good luck is associated with the cat as well as speed and acuity. While the animals are different, the themes between the year of the rabbit and the year of the cat are similar.
- For the first time in the U.S., Californians celebrated Lunar New Year as an official state holiday
- My kids are most looking forward to eating candy in the morning. There are plates of treats waiting for when they wake up because it is considered good luck to start the new year with something sweet.
Happy New Year! I wish you and your loved ones health, joy and good fortune this year. May your relationships flourish and your heart be filled.
