New Year, New You

January 26th is the Lunar New Year, the Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival. Okay so all three are names for the same celebration. It is also my daughter's birthday...and my birthday. (Yeah, same day. Hard to forget. Happy Birthday, baby!)

In honor of that I'm listing some fun facts.

Chinese New Year is based on a lunar and solar calendar. It appears on the first new moon of the year. This year is the year of the earth ox. Coincidentally both my daughter and I were born in the year of the Ox- which appears every 12 years.

Here is what the horoscope says for people born as an earth ox: "As an earth ox you can be counted on in any situation. Of course you can-because you are so very down to earth! Others look up to you because you are sensible, reliable, and honest. Because you possess a lot of common sense, your judgment is solid. You exhibit a keen sense of how the world works, particularly in financial matters. What ever you attempt you are almost guaranteed to have success. Even if you have to work extra hard and it takes a long time, eventually you will get there. You will continue to work long past the point where many others might have given up and you will step over any and all obstacles to your success. In your relationships, you tend to be there for the long haul. Affectionate and faithful, you are much loved by those close to you for the emotional security you offer them. You are exceptionally loyal to friends. There is nothing a person can do to lose your friendship once you've given it. this trait can definitely make you a popular person!"

If you are wondering-nope, I'm not an earth ox- I'm a metal ox and that is a whole other thing. :)

According to the Chicago Tribune, some Chinese New Year traditions:
1) clean your house the day before-to start the new year right.
2) don't yell at your children-give them money instead. (Sorry kids all I have is chocolate coin.)
3) respect your elders. (Got that kids?)
4) open your windows at midnight and let the new year in. (Yee-ouch it's going to be below zero here.)
5) if you were born in the year of the ox... wear red underwear on New Year's day to protect you through out the year.

Also interesting to note: There will be a full solar eclipse on the 26th in the Indian Ocean.

As for me, the celebration starts today with the triple chocolate cheesecake I baked last night, followed by a spa day tomorrow and ending with dinner at a Chinese restaurant. This year is going to be the best year yet! Happy New Year!