Today is Chinese New Year and we're celebrating the year of the dog!

16 February 2018

Happy Chinese New Year! 

The Chinese New Year is a huge celebration and 2018 brings us the year of the dog, which is the eleventh of the zodiac animals. The tale goes that the Jade Emperor said the order of the animals would be determined by what order they arrived to his party. However as the rooster, dog and monkey were in another country helping a god to defeat evil spirits, they all arrived to the party at the same time. Therefore the Emperor went by the order they met the god in the other country. Thus the dog was the eleventh to arrive. 

 

But what zodiac animal are you? 

Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960,

Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961

Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962

Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963

Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964

Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965

Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966

Goat: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967

Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968

Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969

Dog: 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958

Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971 

If you were born in 1982 or 1994, your zodiac animal is a dog. Those born in 1982 are calculative planners. They concentrate on creating a foundation for their future. However may have a negative outlook when they encounter difficulties. They are hard workers, but they should have large goals in order to achieve their full potential. If you were born in the year 1992, these dogs are trustworthy and polite and will return kindness if given help. They stand by their morals but others can find it hard to understand. They perform well in jobs which require patience.

 

One of the traditions of the New Year is for parents or grandparents to put money in a red envelope and to give it to their kids or family members. The colour red symbolises good luck and happiness which is normally worn during New Year and other celebrations. Chinese New year is a 15 day celebration where each day families celebrate with food in a different relative’s home.

 

For a breather from your studies – here are some Chinese New Year events near you:

Glasgow – Performances at George Square on the 18^th of February

Coventry – Chinese New Year Gala at Albany Theatre on the 22^nd of February

Sheffield – Sheffield City Hall are holding a Chinese cultural show on the 20^th of February

Nottingham – Chinese New Year Gala on the 17^th of February at Djanogly Theatre, Nottingham Lakeside Arts

Leicester – New Walk Museum will be having themed activities and entertainment on the 17^th of February

Norwich – The Cabana Club are hosting ChineseNew Year with karaoke and K-Pop on the 16^th of February and if you don’t feel like partying and prefer a bite to eat, there will be a charity auction and buffet at riverbank Chinese buffet restaurant on the 19^th of February

 

And don’t forget to keep a look out for decorations and events being held around your University campus!