With the Year of the Rat now behind us, 2009 (generally regarded as the year 4706 in the Chinese Calendar) marks the Year of the Ox, or Ji Chou its more formal name, the second sign in the Chinese horoscope.
The Chinese New Year celebrations last 15 days – from the first new moon of the New Year, until the full moon 15 days later. During this time, a New Year’s decoration, a chun lian, is often placed at the entrance of a house conveying prosperity and good wishes for the new year.
Family and connectedness, much like the West’s Thanksgiving holiday, is at the core of the Chinese New Year’s eve festivities, including attention, respect and remembrance for family members who have passed; the communal ‘weilu’ symbolizes the unity of the family and the celebration of one community.
The onset of the full moon 15 days later, brings the Lantern Festival, celebrated at night with families, especially their children, carrying lanterns that symbolize hope and good luck.
In Canada, 80% of the Chinese population resides in Vancouver and Toronto, having arrived from either Hong Kong/Taiwan or the mainland; over the last 10 years, 78% have arrived from mainland China. It’s estimated that by 2017, Canada’s Chinese population will double to over 2 million people.
By these numbers, it would be difficult to list all of the related Chinese New Year events taking place. Certainly the world-famous and extraordinary Divine Performing Arts 2009 World Tour (most recently in Toronto, and Montreal, but coming to other Canadian cities in the coming weeks) is one; but below are a few other resources/events you may be interested in:
- Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden which offers a variety of Chinese New Year celebrations, including a parade on the day of the Chinese New Year, and the 2009 Cultural Olympiad
- Calgary’s Chinese Cultural Centre
- Ottawa’s Chamber Orchestra’s concert “Sights and Sounds of China” on January 31, 2009
- Toronto’s Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto
The Ox is considered by many as one of the most patient signs
in the Chinese horoscope. Those born in the Year of the Ox are thoughtful, and possess a great deal of confidence, and inspire the same in others.
Their strong leadership abilities tend to shine especially when it matters most, often speaking deliberately and clearly. The caveat? They can often be stubborn and display quite a legendary temper. Advice? Never cross an Ox.
Famous people born in the Year of the Ox include Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai, Vincent Van Gogh, Johann Sebastian Bach …
…and, yes, Barack Obama. So for all of us born in the Year of the Ox, it looks like we can expect a great year, personally and professionally. Enough said. Looking forward to it.
