THE YEAR OF THE DOG
Chinese New Year celebrations, also known as the Spring Festival, start on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. The festival lasts for about 23 days, ending on the 15th day of the first lunar month in the following year in the Chinese calendar.
In Chinese astrology, each year is related to a Chinese zodiac animal, according to the 12-year cycle. 2018 is regarded as an Earth Dog Year.
Years of the Dog include 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018. The dog occupies the eleventh position in the Chinese zodiac, after the Rooster and before the Pig. If you’re born in a dog year the following are deemed lucky for you:
Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9, and numbers containing them (like 34 and 49)
Lucky days: the 7th and 28th of every Chinese lunar month
Lucky colours: red, green, and purple
Lucky flowers: rose, cymbidium orchids
Lucky directions: east, south, and northeast
Lucky months: the 6th, 10th, and 12th Chinese lunar months
In simple terms, dogs are considered as being loyal, honest, likeable, kind, cautious and prudent. Due to having a strong sense of loyalty and sincerity, dogs will do everything for the person who they think is most important. In contrast, dogs are not good at communication, so it is difficult for them to convey their thoughts to others and consequently dogs tend to leave others with the impression that they have a stubborn personality. However, dogs are always ready to help others and do not prioritise their own interests, but if they find themselves betrayed they will be shocked and hurt. When there’s doubt, dogs tend to think the world is evil and complicated, this leads them to criticise when giving comments on something, and infer all things are according to their pessimistic point of view. Dogs do not tend to be criminals or seek dishonest gains, and they require a quiet life and a good family and, tend to forget the ugliness and evil on earth.
Due to their loyal personality, dogs prefer to choose a career based on the principle of serving others. Dogs are seen as valuable employees as they put their heart and soul into the job. They are easy-going, kind and are always ready to take work from others, which makes them very popular. Typical careers for dogs include: police, scientist, counsellor, interior designer, professor, politician, priest, nurse, clerk and judge.
The Chinese New Year is a time to get away and / or spend time with the family. Having travelled to Thailand in 2 of the past 3 Chinese New Year periods, Jonathan and his family have experienced first-hand how there is a mass influx of tourists to both Phuket and Krabi. Noise levels certainly rise in hotels and day trips can be dominated by large groups posing for 100’s of photos to show their friends and family back at home! So be warned, if you want to avoid the crowds it’s not necessarily the best time to visit such locations but if you enjoy being part of New Year festivities then join in the fun!
Happy New Year to all our friends celebrating The Year Of The Dog 2018 from Select Representation.