Georgia Asian Times : Lunar New Year Special Section 2016

Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year of The Monkey

Special Section February 8, 2016

2016 Lunar New Year of The Monkey

Georgia Asian Times

Georgia Asian Times

2016 Lunar New Year of The Monkey

The Year of The Fire Monkey This Fire Monkey Year focuses more powerful karmic Yang energy on success for the Individual with personal initiative, not for the Group.

This Year favors fortune for quick minds with brave hearts. Ingenuity, inventiveness and intrinsic insight will reap unexpected rewards for incisive risk-taking. The ingenuity energy of this Year rewards those who dare to be different. Original thinkers, with smart, unconventional solutions are destined to succeed in this Red Fire Monkey Year!

The Red Fire Monkey Year is chaotic, dynamic, challenging and intensely competitive!

Its exuberant high-speed pace accelerates progress & change in all life areas- business, technology, relationships, family & even in glacial government bureaucracies.

Advances in technology and communications across all human endeavors explode in unexpected success. Changes will come fast and furious, leaving many unsettled and uneasy; challenging others to compete as never before.

This is a time to re-evaluate old thinking, both in business and relationships. This is the prime opportunity to re-organize and re-evaluate our approach to stubborn problems and run with new ideas.

Embrace the chaos. Trust your instincts.

Global economic growth and life-altering technologies are indicated for this year.

Innovation and invention are rewarded. Individual initiative to re-conceptualize, working with existing resources, empowers ingenious problem solving this year.

For those who truly fear change, this will be a year to keep your head low and refrain from risk taking. This is not your year.

For all, beware the Trickster in the Red Fire Monkey. He is clever and an ever- wily con artist in deal making. The Yin of the Fire Monkey is his ability to seem so very guileless and charming, we never suspect deception. Be on guard.

Take nothing for granted. Get all the facts before signing on the dotted line.

The Red Fire Monkey Year will easily overthrow old conventions that no longer work.

It is a year of re-balancing of power, rewarding individual initiative for long-sought solutions that will make our world a better place.

Monkeys can run circles around other people with ease. They are curious and clever people who catch on quickly to most anything.

Monkey people generally can accomplish any given task. They appreciate difficult or challenging work as it stimulates them and makes them think.

Monkey Years are ninth in the cycle following the Sheep Years, and recur every twelfth year. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Monkey Year actually begins.

1908,1920,1932,1944,1956,1968,1980,1992,2004, 2016 THE SIGN OF THE MONKEY Monkeys are fun-loving people who really enjoy a good time with friends, family or anyone else for that matter. They love practical jokes and like to play tricks on colleagues and friends alike. Monkeys tend to stir up trouble simply out of boredom, which can end up being more hurtful than they intended. Often, when this causes trouble, they expect others to understand it was all a joke and to deal with the consequences on their own.

Monkeys are curious creatures as well. Some people call them nosy. Others call them interested. The Chinese say they are just downright curious. Although gifted with a strong intellect, creativity and intuition are nor their fortes. They can’t put themselves in your shoes even if they try and will become easily distracted or confused.

2016 Lunar New Year of The Monkey

Georgia Asian Times

MONKEY FACTS: People born in the Year of the Monkey share certain characteristics. The Monkey Sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual’s personality. Following are features associated with the Sign of the Monkey.

Ninth in order, Chinese name—HOU, sign of imagination Hour—3pm-4:59 pm Month—August Western Counterpart—Leo CHARACTERISTICS Imaginative, responsible, humorous, witty, curious, clever, sneaky THE FIRE MONKEY 1956 AND 2016 Fire gives the Monkey extra determination. It gives him stamina and strength and durability. These people want the upper hand at all times, even in relationships. These Monkeys can also be fickle when choosing a partner, but once they do, their partners will fall fast in live with them. They will continue their climb to the top of the ladder util they get there and are generally well-liked among co-workers and friends.

HEALTH Monkeys believe being sick is a waste of time. They don’t want to spend their days in bed. They want to experiencing the flavors of life. Usually, Monkeys are very healthy creatures, partly due to their active lifestyles. If they do experience illness, it is usually of the nervous or circulatory system.

AT HOME WITH THE MONKEY Most Monkeys enjoy the activity offered by the city life rather than the quiet and tranquility offered in a more rural lifestyle.

They crave being in the middle of things, enjoying life from a spectator’s view. They also enjoy people-watching and can amuse themselves for hours at a time by just watching the people walk by. They need a view, and their homes are usually filled with windows and picturesque drawings.

THE MONKEY AT WORK A Monkey’s good memory and his ability to adapt are two of his most prized possessions. He is intelligent and stoic, able to pick new trades up quickly and easily. Monkeys are also able to do all the work in half the time it takes someone else, but will charge you double what someone else would charge. As such, Monkeys generally take occupations in the world of finance, such as banking, stock exchange or accounting.

MONEY AND THE MONKEY Monkeys are just as good as spending money as they are at making it. They can’t really save it because it burns a hole in their pockets. Occasionally though, Monkeys should put a little away today for an emergency tomorrow.

CONGENIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS Whether Monkeys are compatible with their business partners depends on whether their signs are harmonious or antagonistic to those of their business partner. Considering the congruity of their own characters and the characters of their business partners can also be very useful.

Monkeys ruled by Benefit From Are Antagonistic to Metal Earth Horses Fire Roosters Water Metal Pigs Earth Sheep Wood Water Dragons Metal Tigers Fire Wood Monkeys Water Snakes Earth Fire Rats Wood Rabbits LIKES AND DISLIKES Since Monkeys are born under the same Animal Sign they often share likes and dislikes. Following are similar likes and dislikes of the Monkey personality.

Color Preference: Yellow and Gold Gems and Stones: Quartz Crystal, Aquamarine, Topaz, Agate Suitable Gifts: Books, pens, mobile phone, a makeover, joke book, crossword puzzles Hobbies and Pastimes: Playing an instrument, working a puzzle, karaoke, mind teasers Monkeys Dislike: Being told to be quiet, not being the most popular, people who don’t like their jokes FRIENDS AND ENEMIES Monkeys are sociable and lovable and make good friends. As they desire attention, they generally have a grand following of friends and acquaintances. No other animal finds communication and talking with others quite as easy as the Monkey does. As friends they will make you laugh when you want to cry. People want their Monkey friends around them because of their wit, sensitivity and effervescence.

Compatible Friends Best Friends: Dragons and Rats Mortal Enemy: Tigers

Georgia Asian Times 2016 Lunar New Year of The Monkey

Zodiac Signs: East Meet West ARIES MONKEY These are high-profile, popular people who enjoy the limelight. They like to have fun and wil do anything or try anything to avoid boredom.

TAUREAN MONKEY These Monkeys like the high life and acquire material things for fun. One part stability and one part adventurous, it can be hard to be this Monkey’s partner.

GEMINI MONKEY These people are quick thinkers who can process and problem solve with ease. They have energy and lead an active lifestyle. They need someone to adore them in order to be happy.

CANCERIAN MONKEY Cancer gives the usually out and about Monkey a sense of domesticity.

This Monkey enjoys a quieter life than most and treasures his time with his family.

LEONINE MONKEY These Monkeys need to be liked and supported. They thrive from attention and love to be head turners. Generally, these Monkeys are wonderful at showing off their talents and their beauty.

VIRGO MONKEY This Monkey is a perfectionist. He desires acute detail and is often obsessive about his work. He can pick up a new skill easily, partly due to his sharp intellect.

LIBRAN MONKEY Libran Monkeys know exactly what to say to get what they want. They are sweet-talkers who can make a situation end up to their advantage. They are also smooth talkers, able to mediate any situation.

SCORPIO MONKEY These Monkeys are quite amusing.

They love to have fun and tackle adventurous things. However, the Scorpio can bring out a deviousness and a negative curiosity that can be troublesome for this Monkey.

SAGITTARIAN MONKEY This Monkey is lucky and carefree.

He likes to think and act big. He will try and try again in order to succeed at what he wants to achieve.

CAPRICORN MONKEY This Monkey is generally more resolute and motivated than other Monkeys. He is a diligent employee who applies his talents to make his work easier.

AQUARIAN MONKEY A razor sharp mind gives this Monkey a colorful and vivacious personality. He is born with intense curiosity and an innate ability to problem solve.

PISCEAN MONKEY These Monkeys are clever and charismatic. They are cultured and sophisticated enjoy developing their God given talents. They are however, prone to making up stories to get out of trouble.

2016 Lunar New Year of The Monkey

Georgia Asian Times

Lunar New Year Legend An ancient Chinese legend tells of a man-eating predatory beast called Nian, extremely fierce, with a long head and sharp horn. Nian dwelled deep in the sea the whole year long, but on every Chinese New Year eve it would climb onto the shore to devour livestock and harm humans in a nearby village. Therefore, every Chinese New Year’s Eve, all the villagers would take their old and young deep into the mountains to hide from Nian.

One Chinese New Year’s Eve a grey haired man appeared in the village.

He asked permission to stay for the night and assured everyone that he would chase away the beast. No one

By New Year’s Eve, family members, some of whom may have traveled long distances to return home, gather for a reunion. In preparation for his return from heaven on New Year’s Day, the new portrait of the Kitchen God is hung, as are the brand new door gods, the duilian (door couplets), and any other festive decor.

Some southern families place stalks of sugar cane behind the doors. The height and section-upon-section construction of the sweet stalks represented the family’s hope for a ladder-like ascent to new levels of glory in the coming 12 months. Everyone dresses up, preferably in new clothes, and is on best behavior.

Traditionally, on this last night of the year, the male head of the household led the family in making offerings to various gods of the house and to the ancestors. The ceremonies would begin by sealing the cracks around the door with red paper to prevent the last vestiges of the old year’s bad luck from stealing into the house, and any of the family’s good luck from escaping. Respects would be paid to the god of wealth, the gods of the well, the bed, the hearth, or any others with whom the family wanted to remain on especially good terms.

The attention would then turn to the ancestors, to whom sacrifices of food would be given along with burning of incense. Each member of the family would kneel in respect before the

be persuaded, the villagers departed without him.

When the beast arrived at the village to wreck havoc as usual, it was met with a sudden burst of exploding firecrackers.

Startled by the noise, the flashes of light and red banners flying about, it hastily turned and fled!

believed him. In addition, the old man steadfastly refused to go to the mountains to hide. Seeing that he could not

The following day, as the people returned from the mountains, they found the village intact and safe. The old man had left, but they found the remains of

Lunar New Year’s Eve & Festivities

ancestral tablets, symbols of many past generations, all the spirits of whom some families believed were in attendance that night. In wealthier households, an entire room might be devoted to use as an ancestral hall, complete with altar, while in poorer families, the ancestral tablets might occupy a modest shed in a corner.

Just as important was to show respect to one’s living elders. Younger family members would ketou (kowtow) to members of each generation above them, in order, beginning with the eldest. When children showed respect in this way, they were rewarded with red envelopes (hongbao), which contained New Year’s money (yasui qian).

With the rites of ancestor “worship” complete, the family sat down to perhaps their biggest meal of the

the three precious items he had used to chase the beast Nian away. They all agreed that the old man must be a deity who had come to help free them of the beast.

From then on, every Chinese New Year’s Eve, families would hang red banners, set off fire crackers, and light their lamps the whole night through, awaiting the Chinese New Year. The custom spread far and wide and became a grand traditional celebration of the “Passing of Nian” (“Nian” in Chinese means “year”). So celebrating the Chinese New Year should be called “passing of Nian” or “Guo Nian” in Chinese.

year. Often, a place was set for those members who could not return home.

In a tradition still observed today, the dishes served on this evening are chosen for the significance of their names or appearances. One very common course is a whole fish, the term for which, yu, is homophonous with the word meaning surplus or abundance, and therefore auspicious. Similarly, a certain sea vegetable, facai, is homophonous with a phrase meaning to become wealthy.

ter-like art object called ruyi, which also means “to your heart’s content.”

For Northerners, one custom still widely observed is the consumption of jiaozi, or meat-filled dumplings, at midnight. Again a case of homonyms, jiaozi also sounds like a term that means the meeting of the last hour of the old year with the first hour of the new. Sweets, nuts, and pastries that most could not usually afford in abundance might be readily available at this time of year.

In the area around Guangzhou , one preferred dish is oysters, because in Cantonese, a homonym of oyster, houxi, means “good business”; shrimp, the Cantonese pronunciation of which is ha, sounds like happy laughter, and is therefore often found at such feasts.

Clams are sometimes served because they open as they are cooked, signifying the opening of new horizons.

Likewise, according to tradition in Shanghai, egg-skin dumplings (danjiao) resemble gold ingots and cellophane noodles look like silver chains. Soy bean sprouts are similar in appearance to a traditional scep-

Sometime before the rooster crowed, the head of the traditional Chinese family would unseal the front door, amidst explosions of long whips of firecrackers, throwing it open to let in the strong and healthy influences of the fresh year. In years past, few people went to bed on New Year’s Eve. A modern Chinese family might stay up late taking advantage of the many special holiday programs broadcast on radio and television.

Their ancestors probably passed the first hours of the dawning new year playing games, drinking wine, singing, joking, and telling stories — purposefully making it a night of merriment, which they hoped would set a pattern for the entire year to come.

Georgia Asian Times 2016 Lunar New Year of The Monkey

Lunar New Year Customs & Traditions The Lunar New Year holiday is celebrated by many Asian cultures. Most typically it is celebrated over a minimum three-day period to about fifteen days surrounding the first full moon of the year. Rituals begin the day before the full moon, the day of the full moon, and the day following the full moon: Children stay up late on the eve of Lunar New Year after the reunion dinner. The longer they stay up, the longer will their parents live.

Bathing with pomela leaves and flowers on the eve of Lunar New Year gets rid of bad luck and ensures good health for the rest of the year.

Doors and windows are kept open to allow the bad luck of old year to get out and to welcome the new year’s good luck. In the night, all lights in the house are switched on to frighten away spirits.

All brooms are kept and no sweeping is allowed. This is to avoid sweeping good luck and wealth out of the house.

Sweets are eaten to ensure everyone has a sweet and easy year ahead.

Everyone wears only red or bright coloured clothes. It is believed that black or white clothes will bring bad luck for the new year.

Refrain from saying anything bad or unlucky. Do not quarrel or use foul language. Talking about sickness and death are also considered inauspicious.

Parents refrain from scolding and punishing their children and their misbehaviour are tolerated on new year’s day. It is believed that if they cry on the first day of new year, they will cry throughout the entire year.

Avoid breaking anything, like bowls,

cups, vases, etc., during Lunar New Year. Breaking any of the above is considered unlucky and is said to result in the break-up of fortune or family unity. However, if something is broken accidentally, one must quickly say ‘sui sui ping an’, which literally means ‘year after year will be safe and peaceful’ at the scene. Some people even add the the following phrase ‘lo di kai hua’ to mean ‘landing on the ground and flowers blooming’ to signify auspiciousness.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS LUNAR NEW YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Director Steve Barclay & Staff HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE (NEW YORK)

Avoid serving food in chipped crockery as well.

Avoid cutting hair during the entire period of Lunar New Year.

Whatever happens on the first day of Lunar New Year reflects what will happen in the rest of the year.

Firecrackers Firecrackers are an important element of the festival and are traditionally let off to frighten away ghosts so the New Year could start free of them.

Legend has it that long ago there was a monster that terrorized the people, however it was afraid of loud noises, bright lights and the color red. At midnight on the last day of the old year, these things are used to frighten away the monster for the whole year.

Red Envelopes In Chinese and other East Asian societies, a red envelope or red packet (known as Hong Bao in Mandarin, Ang Pao in Min Nan and Taiwanese Hokkien, Lai See in Cantonese, Sae Bae Don in Korean, and Li Xi in Vietnamese) is a monetary gift, which is given during New Year or special occasions.

Typically the envelope is adorned with gold writing of good luck characters; good fortune, health, wisdom, or prosperity. Red is a lucky colour and will bring good luck to the person receiving it.

Gong Hey Fatt Choy Wishing you Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year of Monkey From

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival Atlanta

Sept 10, 2016 www.DragonBoatAtlanta.com

2016 Lunar New Year of The Monkey

Georgia Asian Times

Lunar New Year of The Monkey Calendar of Events in Metro Atlanta

The Lantern Festival The 15th day of the first lunar month is known as the “Lantern Festival.” The name for this day on the traditional calendar is Yuanshao, which has come to mean the small round dumplings of rice flour conventionally eaten at this time. The Lantern Festival signals the end of the New Year festival period.

Originally, lanterns were said to have been used on this night to help see the gods by torch light. Each family would construct an elaborate paper lantern for this purpose. Now in many parts of China there is great emphasis on the craftsmanship used in making exquisite lanterns in a variety of shapes and styles, which

are then often shown at public exhibitions.

The Lantern Festival is another occasion for inviting guests and holding feasts, though on a smaller scale than the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Children can be seen parading around outside carrying colorful paper lanterns. A common festival pastime is to guess answers to riddles written on slips of paper and attached to a lantern. Traditionally, a drum is sounded when the riddle is answered correctly.

By now the new year is already half way into the first month, and virtually everything has returned to normal routine. Businesses have reopened, schools are back in session, and farmers have returned to their labor. The very existence of the society depends on the cyclical pattern of agricultural production, and by extension, the cyclical pattern of the seasons. The calendar says it is time for the first rains of the year, and fields must be readied. A new cycle is well under way.

2016 NACA Chinese New Year Fundraising Dinner Date: Saturday, February 6, 2016 Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Venue: Canton House, 4825 Buford Highway Admission: $40 member, $80 non-member, $2000 Corporate For more info: xiaogengdeng@ gmail.com

Lunar New Year of Monkey Celebration Organized by Vietnamese Community of Georgia (VCA) Date: Sunday, Feb 14, 2016 Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Venue: Grand Ballroom, 6100 Live Oak Parkway, Norcross, GA 30093 For more info: Baoky Vu 770.656.5595 baokyvu@yahoo.com

“Tet” Lunar New Year-Honoring the Past, Moving towards the Future!

Organized by Vietnamese American Community of Georgia (VAC GA) Date: Feb 7, 2016 Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Venue: KAAGA Culture Center, 5900 Brook Hollow Parkway, Norcross GA 30071 For more info: www.vac-ga.org

Chinese New Year Reception Guest of Honor: Mr. Clement C.M. Leung, Hong Kong Commissioner to U.S. Presented by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York Date: Thursday, Feb 18, 2016 Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Venue: Oceans Ballroom, 246 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd. Atlanta GA 30313 For more info: gene@honggkongatlanta.com Strictly by invitation only.

GAPABA’s 2016 Lunar New Year Banquet Date: Thursday, Feb 11, 2016 Time: 6:30 pm Venue: Oriental Pearl Restaurant, 5399 New Peachtree Rd. Chamblee, GA 30341 Admission: $20 members; $40 non-members For more info: www.gapaba.org 36th Annual Lunar New Year Banquet Organized by Chinese Community Center (CCC) Date: Friday, Feb 12, 2016 Time: 6:00 pm Venue: Westin Atlanta Perimeter North 2016 Atlanta Chinese Lunar New Year Festival Date: Sat- Sun, Feb. 13-14, 2016 Time: 10 am – 4 pm Venue: Culture Center of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Atlanta 5377 New Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA 30341 Ticket: $5 per person. Free admission for children under 3 1/2 ft.

For more info: www.facebook.com/ AtlantaChineseLunarNewYearFestival

2015 Lunar New Year of The Monkey Banquet Organized by OCA-Georgia Date: Saturday, Feb 20, 2016 Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Venue: Oriental Pearl Restaurant, Chamblee For more info: Shandry Law, 678.283.1288

Georgia Asian Times 2016 Lunar New Year of The Monkey

successor, he asked his sons to bring him a dish that is the most meaningful and worthy to praise the ancestors on the occasion of Tết. The winner of the challenge shall be the next Emperor.

The Traditions and Customs of Tết, the Vietnamese New Year

By Helen Nguyen Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, is arguably the most festive and celebrated holiday of the Vietnamese culture. Based on the Lunar Calendar, Tết celebrates the New Year and the arrival of the Spring season, often in January or February of Western Calendar. It is a time to preserve culture, to reflect, to give thanks, to celebrate life, and to welcome new beginnings.

During Tết, the cities of Vietnam get fully adorned in colorful lights, glowing red lanterns, and large banners that read “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới,” meaning “Happy New Year!” Homes and businesses purchase kumquat plants with ripen, orange fruits that symbolize good fortune and longevity. The streets are busy with people in their newest outfits, shopping at different stalls to prepare for the feast of the year. The flutter of áo dài, Vietnamese traditional long dresses, beam in the soft wind.

During the Tết, the country is engulfed in a blanket of colorful flowers. The colder climate of the North allows for beautiful pink peach blossoms, called hoa dào. The South uses apricot branches, covered in delicate yellow flowers, called bông mai. The flowers are a symbol of the waking of Spring. Folklores also mentioned that they are to lure away unkind and malice spirits.

With the adaptation of Western cultures and time limitations, Vietnamese outside of Vietnam have slowly reduced the Tết celebration to only one day a year, when in fact, traditionally, it is an ongoing festival that could last up to two weeks, beginning in December 23rd and ends around the 7th of January in Lunar dates.

Early December 23rd, families first prepare for Tết by the raising of the “cây nêu.” Cây nêu is a strong, tall bamboo tree, planted to the ground in front of each house or village.

The top of the bamboo tree is adorned with colorful pieces of decorations called “phướng.”

Depending on the area, phướng can be colorful flags, bells, or banners. They represent amulets to ward off evil spirits, to protect the home for a peaceful Tết celebration. As Vietnam evolves into a more urban country, this practice is becoming less common.

On the same day, it is customary to present an offering to the Kitchen Gods, or “Táo.” Depends on the region, the offering platter could range from an arrangement of boiled meats to various baked cookies and sweets. The platter is to be placed in the kitchen, accompanied by prayers to Mr. and Mrs. Táo. Legends said there are three Táo or Gods in each kitchen, one woman and two men. Each year during Tết, the Kitchen Gods leave Earth to report the events that occurred in the family over the year to the Emperor of Heaven. The offering platter is to send the Gods ascending and to wish them a safe journey. Many families also add a large bowl of water with a live carp (cá chép) as part of the offering. The carp is to be freed after the ceremony so that it can be served as the vehicle transporting the Kitchen Gods to the clouds above.

According to certain beliefs, the three Kitchen Gods derived from the old days when villagers only had coals and woods to use for cooking. They would often arrange three bricks in circular to form a stove. Each brick represents a God, always watching the family from the fire of the kitchen. It is said that because the Gods witness every act in the family, one should live ethically to prevent reports of any wrong doing to the Emperor of Heaven. Every year, the Kitchen Gods visit Heaven from December 23rd and return to the family after January 7th.

Like most celebrations, food plays an important role in Tết. One very important item, one might even say a required dish, is the Vietnamese savory rice cake. Rice cakes made from Northern Vietnam are square in shape, called “bánh chưng,” and rice cakes from the South are in a log-like shape, called “bánh tét.” Both versions are made with sweet glutinous rice, with a center of pork, mung bean, or banana.

Cakes from the South are wrapped in banana leaves, while cakes from the North are wrapped in “lá dong,” unique leaves that can only be found in the North. Old tales said these savory rice cakes were the creation of a Prince. When Emperor Hùng the Sixth was looking for a

The Princes searched high and low for the rarest and most divine dish to bring to their Father. Lang Liêu, the poorest son of Emperor Hùng, could not afford to bring any luxurious dish. One night, a God in the form of an old man with long silky white hair came to Lang Liêu in a dream. The old man advised the young Prince that the most valuable crop the country has to offer is rice. While rice is not expensive, it is most valuable and abundant to the people of Vietnam. It ensures the livelihood of so many. Woken from his dream, Lang Liêu made rice cake in the shape of a square to represent the Earth, and in round shape, to represent the sky and Heavens above. The Emperor was delighted at Lang Liêu and granted him the throne.

Cooking bánh chưng and bánh tét is a lengthy process that could take hours. When cooking with a wood stove, the fire had to be carefully monitored to ensure the quality of the rice cakes. While waiting for the cakes to be cooked throughout the night, families normally gather around the fire to tell stories, play games, and reminisce about the passing year. Laughter and music can be heard from one village to the other.

December 30th - Food are now cooked and being served as offerings to the ancestors at the altar. Incents are lit and prayers are sound.

This worshiping ceremony is to bring the deceased ancestors from the other world home to celebrate Tết with their loved ones. The rice cakes are often accompanied by fruits and sweets. Watermelons are displayed. Its green skin and red luscious innards represent kindness and loyalty. A set of five different fruits is arranged, called Mâm Ngủ Quả. Vietnamese has a common saying: “Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây,” meaning “When eat the fruits, think of the growers.” Not only are the fruits represent a reminder to always remember one’s roots, they also thought to bring blessings from Heaven and Earth to mankind, and to bring a prosperous new year to the family.

Dishes served at Tết usually include Vietnamese pork patties (giò lụa), sticky rice (xôi), steamed chicken (gà luộc), candied fruits (mứt), pork stew (thịt kho). Each family has their own collection of recipes, passed on from generations before.

Midnight of New Year’s Eve, called Giao Thừa, another ceremony is to be done. Food, teas and wines are now brought to the front of the house. Families gather around to give thanks and pray to the Heavens for a flourishing New Year. It is the very first act of the New Year, to teach children that first and foremost, one must be grateful to their ancestors and look to the Heavens for guidance.

From the 1st to the 3rd of the year, a continuous tradition called “Tôn Sư Trọng Đạo” is being practiced. Again, it reiterate the teaching that one must respect and honor their elders, the people that have raised them and taught them ethic and values. It is also time to give thanks to one’s teachers and educators, the ones that have given them the knowledge to be significant in society. The Vietnamese saying goes:

Ngày một chúc Tết cho Cha Ngày hai cho Mẹ Ngày ba cho Thầy Meaning, give thanks to your Father on the first day, to your Mother on the second day, and to your teachers on the third day.

On the very first day of the year, children are given their newest outfits. They first visit their paternal grandparents and family, to carry out their Tết praises and gratitude. For older relatives, it is appropriate to wish them long, healthy lives. For younger family members, it is best to wish them luck and success. The second day, the children are to visit their maternal side of them family, to deliver the same respect.

The third day is reserved for teachers. For each expressed wish, the children are usually given a red envelope in return, called “lì xì.” Each envelope contains a gift, usually in monetary form, for good luck.

On the night of January 3rd, food, teas, and wine are again displayed on the altar. With incents in hands, family members say prayers to deliver the spirits of the deceased ancestors back to their unseen world.

The 4th to the 7th are the time to indulge and celebrate. Friends and family eat and drink to welcome the New Year. All hardships and back luck are believed to have been ridden behind with the past year, and a new beginning has emerged. The community gathers for social activities such as boat racing, tug-o-wars, card games, and friendly bets. Business often closed.

The country unites in a gala of Tết.

The 7th marks the day when the Kitchen Gods descend home from Heaven. “Cây nêu” would be lowered. The people resume their lives.

Today, no matter how far away from our Motherland, the Vietnamese Americans, as well as Vietnamese scattered around the World still celebrate Tết. Though our celebrations are less extensive, the traditions live on through us and are carried to our next generation. We strive to preserve our culture and to educate the world of customs that are so deeply rooted in us.

2016 Lunar New Year of The Monkey Georgia Asian Times

Horoscope Predictions for the Year of Fire Monkey Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) Monkey has the Tai Sui in the chart and should follow the instructions to pacify the Tai Sui. There is risk of illness and accident. There can be talk behind one’s back. All around bad situations may occur even though you attend happy events but still try to attend as many happy events such as weddings, elder’s birthdays, and christenings as you can. Follow the law and your heart.

Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005) Roosters will be more visible and social this year. Your radiance is apparent.

Even though this is a good year you should be cautious with your health, nip illness in the bud and avoid others who are ill. Be discreet, avoid vices. Best to continue the status quo and avoid trouble. There will be benefactors to assist you this year. Do good deeds and charity work. Mind your own business and avoid all scandal especially involving sex. Work within the law and drive carefully.

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006) This is not a year for making changes. You have to work hard for your money, it doesn’t fall from the sky. It is financially beneficial to travel afar. However you are accident prone so be cautious and allow yourself more time for safety. Drive carefully. There is a possibility of death in the family. Try to join happy events such as elder’s birthday parties, weddings and other celebrations. It will help to cancel potential mishaps.

Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007) The year of the Monkey brings happiness and prosperity to the Pig’s family. Outside the family, relationships are generally peaceful however argumentative energy is around and it is best to avoid confrontations and irritations. Act prudently and do more good deeds in order to receive help overcoming obstacles. Mind your own business to eliminate trouble and worries. Young Pigs have opportunities for romance. Older pigs should watch their health and at any sign of illness or bleeding should consult their doctor.

Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) Luckily, Rat is in Three Harmonies with the Monkey year, which will lessen the bad effect in any situation. Hidden danger throughout the year, possible betrayal, lawsuits, theft and loss. Follow the law. Avoid unsafe situations, locations and sad events such as funerals and hospital visits. Pray and ask for blessings. Happy events such as weddings, births and elders birthday celebrations will provide auspicious luck and help avoid disaster.

Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009) This is a good year for dependable and patient Oxen. You may be introduced to your future spouse, romance is likely anytime of this Monkey year. When you find the right person, ask your parents for advice and approval. Benefactors will be helping you throughout the year. It is important to watch your manners, ignore gossip and travel carefully. You may need to travel alone. Don’t guarantee others loans or investments. You may attend a funeral, be sure to take precautions.

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010) Tiger is clashing to the year of the Monkey. Follow the instructions to pacify the Tai Sui. It is possible someone is working against you, dangers are likely under the surface. To gain something you may lose something. Do good deeds and you will be reciprocated. You may need to travel frequently and not always for pleasant reasons. Drive carefully and avoid tickets. Guard against eye problems. The Monkey year may provide the push and luck for a new job but it will not be easy.

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011) This is a lucky and smooth year for Rabbits. The Deities provide protection in all areas of your life. Money and other objectives come easy to you. Avoid arguments which should be easy since there are always helpful people waiting to offer a hand this year. You have the opportunity for promotion and marriage as you are more attractive and appreciated this year.

You will have a very happy social life and any new endeavor will likely lead to success.

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012) The Dragon is in Three Harmonies with this Monkey year. The Dragon’s Qi (Chi) is strong and it is a lucky year. However the year is made up of a constant wave of alternating good and bad experiences. Mind your own business and perform good deeds. Follow the law. Find good friends and avoid loud people. There will be many opportunities to be in public, upgrade your wardrobe and put on your best appearance.

Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) Snake and the Monkey are friends. This year is especially good for the female Snake. Male Snakes should be cautious of their health and the opposite sex. There are many happy events and public occasions. This year there are lots of opportunities to meet people for business, friendship and romance. Be selective in your choices of relationships. Don’t indulge your vices. Avoid indiscreet situations. All Snakes need to pay attention to their health.

Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014) This is a good year for Horses. There will be many happy events to enjoy. There may be financial benefit from traveling afar or working away from home. You are able to put yourself in appropriate situations for your benefit. Be careful and conservative as someone may cause you to lose money. Avoid funerals though there may be death in the family.

Sheep (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) It is a very good year for Sheep. There are many happy events but be cautious and pay attention in order to avoid any loss or mishap. There is a possibility of having to travel to a family member’s funeral. Avoid confrontations while traveling. There may be an opportunity to marry, to start a family and to make an auspicious marriage. Try to join happy events such as an elder’s birthday, weddings and other happy events. It will help to cancel potential mishaps.