This holiday like many cultures is all about family and wishing your loved ones an auspicious and prosperous year ahead!
The twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac are all animals. The dragon is the only mythological animal, while the rest are creatures seen in nature. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2018 will be the Year of the Dog. But what does that mean? Well, like the traditional western zodiac, the Chinese zodiac is made up of twelve signs. The Year of the Dog begins on February 16th, 2018 and ends February 4th, 2019, so any babies born between those dates will have the dog as their Chinese zodiac sign. This will be the first Year of the Dog in twelve years. 2018 is further designated as an Earth year, which is one of the five elements that are also cycled through in the Chinese zodiac.
So What Does This Mean?
It seems that this year there are two clear pathways in which your luck can convey in real life; it can go extremely well or it can go down in flames. We all know dogs, as our best animal pals, are loyal, friendly, and kind. People born with the sign of the Dog are said to share those traits. They are less likely to seek money and power and are more likely to try and make the world a better place. On the other hand, they may be critical, stubborn, and cold at times. Communication will be essential in this year, why? Pessimism and doubt can easily build when loud disruptions are surrounding your lifestyle.
The Dogs In Life
Unfortunately, 2018 is said to be an unlucky year for people born under the sign of the Dog. In Chinese astrology, years that share your birth sign are thought to bring bad luck. It is recommended that Dogs stay calm and try to relax during this time. Not only does the year play a part in the destiny of a person born with the dog as their sign, but the time and date are also factors. Those born between 9 AM and 1 PM, as well as those born between 3 PM and 5 PM, are said to be the most likely to achieve success. Those born on the 1st, 6th, 7th, 17th, 21st, 24th, 26th, 28th or the 30th day of the month in the Chinese lunar calendar are said to be the luckiest.
So fellow #Revivers, if you fall into this category, stay calm and listen to those around you.
Yearly Rituals For Those Who Celebrate
In the days coming to Chinese New Year, families are recommended to give your house an early spring cleaning; it's fortuitous. Decluttering and throwing away unwanted items get rid of the stagnant energy that has accumulated during the previous year. However, this should be conducted before the initiation of Chinese New Year (yeah I know we are a tad late there), you wouldn't want to fall into some harmful superstitions, that would be unfortunate.
Another big trait in those who celebrate the holiday is placing red lanterns around households. Red is the color of happiness and celebration. Leading up to Chinese New Year; the color can be seen everywhere in Chinese cities: adorning doors, walls, office buildings and shopping malls. Hang red lanterns in your doorway, affix red cardboard decorations to your walls, and wear red to attract good energy.
Red envelopes are also given to children, family, friends, and employees during the Chinese New Year. Married people or employers usually give these little red packets stuffed with cash. However, to bring prosperous luck into the equation is the formality of how they are packaged:
the packet should contain new banknotes
the sum should be an even number
never in denominations of four (the Chinese word for four sounds like death)
Traditionally speaking the event goes on for about five days, in which each day spouses take turns respectively going to their in-laws and celebrating amongst families and friends.
And lastly, firecrackers! To start off right, you must ward off the New Year evil spirit roaming around, Nian Monster. You don't want him causing havoc around your village, do you now? So spark up the colorful pyrotechnics and scare the Nian Monster away. (please be careful)
The Feast!
Perhaps the most important part of the Chinese New Year is spending time with family around the dining table (as for those stuck at the kid's table, good luck). The food on the table must follow the guide as well and of course be approved by your elders. From whole birds displayed on dishes to fruit that resembles gold and wealth. Chinese people are practical food lovers. The dishes and ingredients served over Chinese New Year are meant to bring wealth, health and happiness in the coming year (along with some babies, too) but they’re also delicious. There are far too many auspicious foods to list, so here's a link to finding some great ingredients inspired by the holiday.
Health For The Body And Mind
In traditional Chinese medicine, we think of health and wellness in terms of balance. Everything, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, is connected. In the West, the New Year often brings a renewed focus on diet and exercise. In the East, however, the New Year means looking at the whole person: body, mind and spirit.
We can learn a lot from the Chinese culture to manage pain and stress. Chronic pain can weigh down on any person at Rehab and Revive our mission is to help and provide solutions for people trapped within their own body. We always recommend seeking alternative answers that will be succesful especially when they are non-surgical, non-drug option that’s also cost-effective. But remember, cost-effective also means a real, reliable solution that will provide you with a structured plan and information along the way to results.
Pamper your shen! In making a new start, connect with yourself and your loved ones to renew your spirit. Here are some easy ways to do it:
Unplug from electronics. Enjoy the silence for one hour a day. This is especially important before bed to promote a deeper sleep.
Reconnect with forgotten hobbies. Whether it’s painting or woodworking, carve out time for yourself. For example, I love to cook. I enjoy choosing a recipe, planning the meal, cooking in my kitchen, and serving it to friends at a dinner party.
Slow down and reconnect with friends. Seek out friends who nourish your soul and support you. You know who they are. Have tea or coffee, or take a walk together.
Pamper yourself. It doesn’t have to be anything luxurious. Take the time to enjoy a long, hot shower or bubble bath. Splurge on a new perfume. Get them nails did. Read the novel everyone’s talking about.
Also, we are honored to have the addition of MI JONG LO HAN Kung-Fu studio here in the heart of Orange County! For more information visit their website: www.mjlhkungfu.com
Social Media: www.instagram.com/mjlh_kungfu
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Heal smarter, not harder #Revivers!
Rehab and Revive Team