Guest Author - Caroline Baker
In 2005, the Chinese will be celebrating their 4702 year. Their calendar is based on when Emperor Huang Ti, the Yellow Emperor, first came to power. That occurred roughly 2698 BC! Since it happened so long ago, there's some debate as to when exactly he came into power and if he indeed did all the things this first emperor was attributed to have done. There were also periods in the Chinese history in which the years were literally "renumbered" to suit the desires of an incoming dynasty. So the guess of the year is an approximation based on the text and dating of the dynasties that follow.
The Chinese calendar is based on the lunisolar system, using the cycle of the moon to identify months and the distance of the sun to adjust for seasonal changes.
Chinese New Years is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the Chinese Culture. The celebrations often last for more than one day. The traditional way to celebrate is to celebrate it for 15 days until the Latern Festival.
Each year in the Chinese Calendar is represented by a Chinese zodiac and an element. This year is the Year of the Green Monkey.
Each of those represents characteristics of the year. When we think of a rooster, we have an image in our minds of the creature stretching its neck out in the morning and letting out a loud cock-a-do-da-doo. There's determination in that call, an awakening and time for change.
In addition, there are five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, water. Each of these equate to a color. This year happens to be green which is the color of wood. Wood is the symbol for growth and life, the image of rebirth in spring.
Combined together, the five elements and twelve animals make up 60 distinct combinations. Thus, when you are the age of 60, the Chinese zodiac for that year is the exact same one as when you were born. That is why for Chinese people, the 60th birthday is a very big deal.
Here at BellaOnline, we've been celebrating Chinese New Years as well. Check out some of the articles throughout our site.
