Year of the Horse 2014

Chinese New Year is January 31 this 4,712 year. The first new moon in the Chinese calendar - called Sheng Xiao. Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came and Buddha named a year after each one. He also announced that the people who are born in an animal's year would have some of that animal's personality traits.

In order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Dog and Pig.

Chinese Zodiac

Those who are born in a horse year (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, etc.) are cheerful, skillful with money, perceptive, witty, energetic and good with their hands. They do not like to be held in check, can be hasty at times, but make delightful companions.

2014 is a good year for self-improvement. Be conscientious of health issues - get plenty of rest and exercise. Do things in moderation. Both the good and bad bits that happen this year will go by quickly.

The Chinese have five alchemical elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth. The horse in general is associated with fire, but the year 2014 is a wood year. Wood helps fire burn and last longer. Therefore, businesses involving wood, fire and earth will do well this year.

The horse is a symbol of traveling as well as speedy success. The horse is a social animal and is connected to the color red. Some think the horse is a romantic star within the Chinese zodiac.

Carving by Henry Carter

10 Chinese Traditions for the New Year

1. House Cleaning before the New Year: Thorough sweeping and cleaning is be done within 72 hours before New Year's Day. It removes bad luck from the house. Also the cleaning equipment like brooms, dust pans, etc. should be kept out of sight before New Year's Eve.

2. Use of Firecrackers: Lighting firecrackers on New Year's Eve is one way the Chinese move the old year out while welcoming the new year in. The noise is said to drive away evil spirits. Also, staying awake until at least midnight, fends off the beast known as the 'year'.

3. Do not Tell Ghost Stories: The Chinese believe that whatever happens on the first day of the year will happen for the rest of the year. So it is taboo to use foul language, think unlucky thoughts or say bad things about other people on the first day. Ghost stories are chock full of death, evil spirits and negative energy, so both children and adults are to refrain from telling ghost stories.

4. Do not wash your hair: It is believed to wash away good luck for the New Year if you wash your hair on New Year's Day.

5. Do not Wear Black: In the Chinese culture black is related to death and bad luck. So avoid wearing black clothes on the first day of the year.

6. New Year's Eve Dinner:  This is the most important dinner of the year and is often treated as a reunion as well. Traditionally fish and dumplings will be served because they represent prosperity.

7. No Crying: It is believed that if you cry on New Year's Day you will cry often throughout the year. This is why children are not punished on the first day of the year.

8. No Broken Crockery: Have broken dishes or cups? Time to send them on their way. It is bad luck to start the New Year with broken crockery.

9. No Cutting: The Chinese believe that nothing should be cut on the New Year as it will reflect poorly on one's life and fortune.

10. Red is Good: Wear splendid red clothing. Decorate with red adornments and paper cutouts of favorite subjects. Children are given money in red paper packets from their parents to wish them a cheerful new year.

Paper cut-out - Horse