Happy New Year: The Year of the Monkey

The New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is marked by the lunisolar Chinese calendar, so the date changes from year to year. This year, the Chinese New Year is celebrated on February 8, 2016.

It is the Year of the Monkey.

The festivities usually start the day before the New Year and continue until the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the New Year.

Each Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals, which appear in the Chinese zodiac. The Monkey is the ninth animal in the cycle. The next Year of the Monkey will be in 2028.

Personality of the Monkey

People born in the Year of the Monkey are characterised as quick-witted, curious, innovative and mischievous, but it is also believed to be one of the most unlucky years in the Chinese calendar.

The general image of people in this zodiac sign is of always being smart, clever and intelligent, especially in their career and wealth.

They are lively, flexible, quick-witted and versatile. In addition, their gentleness and honesty bring them an everlasting love life. Although they were born with enviable skills, they still have several shortcomings, such as an impetuous temper and a tendency to look down upon others.

Lucky signs for the Monkey

Lucky numbers are 1, 7, 8; lucky colours are white, gold, blue; lucky flowers are chrysanthemum, alliums; lucky directions are north, northwest, and west.

Famous people born under the monkey sign include Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dickens, Celine Dion, Will Smith, Halle Berry, Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, Selena Gomez – just to name a few.

Which Chinese Zodiac sign are you?

Your sign is derived from the year you were born in the Chinese lunar calendar.

The years below are a rough guide, but if you were born in January or February it may be slightly different as the New Year moves between January 21 and February 20.

Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960

Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961

Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962

Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963

Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964

Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965

Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966

Sheep: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967

Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968

Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969

Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970

Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971

Chinese New Year’s Day taboos

Practices to be avoided on the first day of the Chinese New Year:

Medicine: Taking medicine on the first day of the lunar year means one will get ill for a whole year.

New Year’s breakfast: Porridge should not be eaten, because it is considered that only poor people have porridge for breakfast, and people do not want to start the year “poor” as this is a bad omen.

Laundry: People do not wash clothes on the first and second day, because these two days are celebrated as the birthday of Shuishen (the Water God).

Washing hair: Hair must not be washed on the first day of the lunar year. In the Chinese language, hair has the same pronunciation and character as ‘fa’ in facai, which means ’to become wealthy’. Therefore, it is seen as not a good thing to “wash one’s fortune away” at the beginning of the New Year.

Sharp objects: The use of knives and scissors is to be avoided as any accident is thought to lead to inauspicious things and the depletion of wealth.

Going out: A woman may not leave her house, otherwise she will be plagued with bad luck for the entire coming year. A married daughter is not allowed to visit the house of her parents, as this is believed to bring bad luck to the parents, causing economic hardship for the family.

The broom: If you sweep on this day then your wealth will be swept away too.

Crying children: The cry of a child is believed to bring bad luck to the family, so parents do their best to keep children as happy as possible.

Theft: Having your pocket picked is believed to portend your whole wealth in the coming year being stolen.

Debt: Money should not be lent on New Year’s Day, and all debts have to be paid by New Year’s Eve. If someone who owes you money, do not go to his or her home to demand it. Anyone who does so it is said will be unlucky all the year.

An empty rice jar: A depleted receptacle may cause grave anxiety, as the cessation of cooking during the New Year period is considered to be an ill omen.

Damaged clothes: Wearing threadbare duds can cause more bad luck for the year.

Monochrome fashion: White or black clothes are barred as these two colours are traditionally associated with mourning.

Welcoming the New Year: According to tradition, people must stay up late on New Year’s eve to welcome the New Year, and then to let off firecrackers and fireworks to scare off inauspicious spirits and Nian, the New Year monster.

Giving of certain gifts: Clocks, scissors, and pears all have a bad meaning in Chinese culture.

Guyana’s celebrations

Speaking with Sunday Times Magazine, executive member of the Chinese Association of Guyana, Anyin Choo mentioned that a special treat around this time are the dumplings shaped like Yuanbao, gold coins representing prosperity. She added that sweets, such as Mao Fa and Yow Kok, and savoury snacks, such as Chinese dumplings, are also enjoyed.

“It is customary for various Chinese families, friends and businesses to get together for a grand dinner to kick start the New Year. The dishes are quite different from what you would usually have during the year. At the dinner there is a lavish dinner with chicken, pork and fish on New Year’s eve, which signifies that persons will have abundance in the New Year,” she explained.

Anyin noted that Chinese families “will not kill animals on the New Year because they do not want to start the year killing”.

According to the Chinese culture, blood is considered an ill omen, which will cause misfortunes such as a knife wound, or a bloody disaster. So on the New Year, vegetarian meals are enjoyed.

She also pointed out that on the second day of the New Year money is given to married couples, elderly and children in red envelopes with best wishes, such as good health and long life, printed on them. This is called “lucky money”, which is given for prosperity.

On Feb. 7, 2016, the Confucius Institute, University of Guyana, would be hosting a Chinese festival at the Giftland Mall from 3pm to 7pm. There, patrons will get a chance to experience various aspects of the Chinese culture, including delicious food and performances.