GAT 2020 Lunar New Year of The Rat - Special Section

Lunar New Year of The Rat 2020 Special Section

2020 Lunar New Year of The Rat Georgia Asian Times

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Georgia Asian Times

2020 Lunar New Year of The Rat

2020 Year of The Rat

HOW THE CHINESE ZODIAC WORKS According to Chinese astrology, 2020 is the Year of the Metal Rat. Theoretically, people with Metal or Water as characteristic elements will be favored this year.

However, let’s not forget that Metal and Water are in opposition, which is why 2020 might not be exactly the best year of their lives, obviously, with some exceptions. The Years of the Rat are: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032.

The Rat sign marks the beginning of the Chinese zodiac and it is associated with an aggressive attitude and entrepreneurial spirit. In Chinese philosophy, it is linked to material success, wellness, and luxury life. The aggression, charm, strenuous work, discipline, and passion give the people born under this sign an ascendant upon others.

There are great chances for the Rat natives to obtain professional recognition or to make a fortune. They are intelligent, energetic, and they can adapt to any situation, solving each problem with ease.

Unlike other zodiac signs, the Rats have only a few friends, but

they establish a special connection. When it comes to competition, no one has greater manipulative skills. The Rat natives prove their diplomacy and they go to great lengths to win a battle.

The honor and lack of resentment are two things others can learn from the Rat. Heavy karma can cause inner conflicts. They will get involved in different speculations or adventures out of their desire to live dangerously.

If such an “outburst” is not possible, they will turn against themselves, trying to self-destruct. The spiritual message that should lead the Rats is to maintain their self-control and to try to get along with those around them.

Their characteristic dynamism can be useful in many professions. They can be successful in literature or art, but they can also be detectives, accountants, engineers or pathologists. Law or politics are also two domains within their reach.

The traditional Chinese lunisolar year has 12 months and 353 to 355 days, or during a leap year, 13 months and 383 to 385 days.

Therefore, the Chinese year usually begins several weeks into the western 365-day year (usually between January 21 and February 20), not on January 1 of the Gregorian calendar.

As is ancient tradition, the Chinese zodiac attaches animal signs to each lunar year in a cycle of 12 years. The animal designation changes at the start of the New Year.

A DEEPER LOOK On a broader scale, the Chinese lunisolar calendar counts its years according to the stem-branch system, which is a 60-year rotating name system also known as the Chinese sexagenary cycle. By this, a year’s name actually contains two parts: the celestial stem and the terrestrial branch.

The celestial, or heavenly stem, is taken from a rotating list of 10 terms concerning the yin/yang forms of five elements.

The Stem (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water): jia, yi, bing, ding, wu, ji, geng, xin, ren, and gui.

Stem/Element jia = yang wood yi = yin wood bing = yang fire ding = yin fire wu = yang earth ji = yin earth geng = yang metal xin = yin metal ren = yang water gui = yin water The terrestrial, or earthly, branch is taken from a rotating list of the 12 animal names of the Chinese zodiac.

Branch/Animal zi = rat chou = ox yin = tiger mao = rabbit chen = dragon si = snake wu = horse wei = sheep/goat shen = monkey you = rooster xu = dog hai - boar/pig So, putting the stem and branch terms together, the first year in a 60-year cycle is called jia-zi (Year of the Rat) as jia is the celestial stem and zi (rat) is the terrestrial branch. The next year is yi-chou (Year of the Ox), and so on. The 11th year is jia-xu, etc., until a new cycle starts over with jia-zi.

2020 Lunar New Year of The Rat

Georgia Asian Times

Tết ~ Lunar New Year food reflects different lifestyles

The three main regions of Việt Nam are characterized by different climate and soil conditions that result in different traditions and customs, and some of these have to do with which traditional dishes are favored and how they are prepared when Tết, the Lunar New Year, is celebrated.

Taking the former royal capital city of Huế as representative of the central region, bánh chưng and bánh tét are the most important Tết dishes, as in other regions.

The sticky rice cakes made with a stuffing of green bean and pork symbolize the wet-rice cultivation that the nation has subsisted on for centuries.

While people in the north prefer bánh chưng – square cake, Huế residents prefer bánh tét – the cylinder sticky rice cake that is said to symbolize a shoulder pole (the Centre) carrying two baskets (the North and the South) at either ends. For centuries, the bamboo shoulder poles and bamboo baskets have been the mainstay for carrying and selling things in Việt Nam. Another difference that can be seen is that the sizes of the cakes are smaller in the central region.

Huế residents like to claim that this denotes an emphasis for

sophistication rather than volume, as also greater skills required to shape and wrap the smaller cakes.

Anyone who has had the bánh chưng and bánh tét in Huế, will attest to its superb taste. Two years ago, I took some Huế bánh chưng along for a trip to the Tú Làn Cave in Quảng Bình Province as a contingency provision. I ended up getting other food as my American, British, Canadian, Chinese and Vietnamese trip mates found the cakes so good that they gobbled them up to the last morsel.

Dưa món, sliced papaya, kohlrabi, carrot and onion were preserved in salt, sugar and vinegar.

While bánh chưng and bánh tét are the items that Huế inherited from ancestors who came in from the North, dưa món is a ‘endemic’ Tết dish of locals.

Dưa món is as an accompaniment to bánh chưng and bánh tét in order to enjoy a combination of different tastes - sweet, salty, fatty and spicy.

Predicting the Tết weather in Huế is a difficult task. It might be hot at above 30 Celsius degrees or be cold under 15 Celsius degrees with continuous rains for a week.

With such unpredictable weather conditions, bánh tét and dưa món are the best choices for Tết food, since they can be preserved for up to 15 days, and people do not have to spend too much time in the kitchen.

For Huế residents, bánh tét and dưa món are must-have items for the Lunar New Year. Visitors to the city can try these mouthwatering dishes for a better comprehension of wet-rice cultivation culture.

Most Vietnamese men drink alcohol to celebrate Tết. And as a tradition, Huế women also prepare food for the drinkers, like slices of pig stomach and Roxburgh fig (Ficus auriculata) soaked in sweetened fish sauce.

This fig preparation is a Huế specialty

because the tree does not grow so well outside Thừa Thiên- Huế Province.

Southern Tết specials Blessed with a lot of sunlight and rich soil to grow plants and vegetables all year round, the southern region enjoys an abundance of fruits, vegetables and seafood.

So there is a air of unmistakable prosperity here, compared to other rural regions in the country.

Their Tết food, apart from the bánh chưng and bánh tét, are easy to cook, with some of the more popular dishes including pork cooked in coconut milk and a soup cooked with bitter gourd stuffed with mushrooms and pork.

Coconut palms can be found everywhere in the South, and bitter gourds grow in just about every garden. The fruit is called khổ qua in the south. Literally, khổ means hardships in life and qua means over. The khổ qua soup conveys the wish to overcome hardships in the coming year.

These dishes are easy to cook, taking very little time compared to the week-long preparations that Huế dishes involve.

Georgia Asian Times

2020 Lunar New Year of The Rat

2020 Lunar New Year of The Rat

Georgia Asian Times

10 auspicious dishes and why they’re said to bring health, wealth and happiness Chinese people are practical food lovers. The dishes and ingredients served over Chinese New Year are meant to bring wealth, health and happiness in the coming year (along with some babies, too) – but they’re also delicious. There are far too many auspicious foods to list, so here are some basics.

Tangerines, mandarins and kumquats

new years celebrations. Usually, there’s room for eight (the number symbolizes wealth) types of sweets around the perimeter, with another section in the center.

The selection varies, but there are usually wrapped candies (Sugus and/ or White Rabbits, gold foil-wrapped chocolate coins), roasted melon seeds (to bring children) that have been dyed red (an auspicious color), and an array of candied sweets: lotus seeds (more for children), lotus root (abundance), winter melon (good luck), and sesame seed-dusted glazed walnuts (wisdom and happiness).

During Lunar New Year, in the lobbies of businesses and apartment buildings, you will see potted miniature trees with these round, small orange fruit.

The fruit is said to resemble gold, so having this in your house or place of business is supposed to bring in wealth. Instead, if you want fruit to eat, buy it from a market. Other citrus fruits such as oranges and pomelos are also plentiful at this time of year; the former are said to bring luck, the latter plenty.

Savoring Lunar New Year traditions and auspicious recipes Chuen hup This is a round or octagonal box kept filled with sweets over the entire

ern Chinese families. Depending how they’re shaped and cooked (pan-fried or boiled), they can resemble gold bars or silver ingots, which will bring wealth into the household.

Goh

Theses “pudding cakes” can be sweet or savory. Asian chefs get wildly inventive with both types, but the traditional sweet variety is made with glutinous rice flour (which gives it a chewy texture), sugar and flavorings such as red dates, water chestnuts and coconut (for something truly luxurious, try the ones with bird’s nest).

Spring rolls

Eaten because of their resemblance to gold bars.

A pair of fresh fish The Chinese word for fish sounds like surplus, so eating fish will bring an excess of wealth. Serving two – one to be eaten on the eve of Chinese New Year, and the second on the day, will bring in a surplus of wealth into the next year.

Clams (in the shell) and fresh or dried scallops Because of their resemblance to old Chinese coins, they’re said to bring wealth.

The most common savory version is loh bok goh, made with grated white radish, rice flour and dried mushrooms, Chinese sausage and dried shrimp. “Goh” sounds like tall or rising, so this is said to bring promotions and getting ahead in the upcoming year. Sweet and savory goh is best reheated by cutting it into slices and pan-frying in lightly oiled pan.

Dumplings This is a northern Chinese custom, although it’s migrated to many south-

Chicken

During Lunar New Year, the bird should be served whole – with head and feet attached – to symbolizes prosperity and togetherness.

Noodles

These should be long noodles, which represent long life, and the longer the better.

Faat choi jai. This is a dish full of symbolism. It’s a simmered vegetarian dish (modern vegetarians might protest at the term, because it usually contains dried oysters) that is eaten on the first day of Chinese New Year.

In addition to the oysters (good luck), it also has faat choi (eaten for prosperity, this is often called hairy moss seaweed, but it actually grows on land, and harvesting it is said to cause soil erosion), bamboo shoots (wealth, new beginnings), water chestnuts (togetherness), lotus root, dried bean curd skin (blessings and happiness), many types of mushrooms, ginkgo nuts (wealth) and golden noodles/lily stems (more wealth), with lettuce (even more wealth) added just before serving.

Georgia Asian Times

2020 Lunar New Year of The Rat

2020 Lunar New Year of The Rat

Georgia Asian Times

Lunar New Year of The Rat Calendar of Events in Metro Atlanta Lunar New Year of The Rat Saturday, Jan 25, 2020 Atlanta Lunar New Year Festival Date: Jan 25-26, 2020 Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Venue: Culture Center of Taipei Econ & Cultural Office in Atlanta 5377 New Peachtree Road, Chamblee GA 30341 2020 Atlanta Chinese Lunar New Year Festival Date: Jan 25 & Jan 26 Time: 10:00 am -4:00 pm Venue: Atlanta Chinatown Mall 5383 New Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA 30341 For more info: www.facebook. com/ATLChinatown Free Admission

Vietnamese Tet New Year Celebration Presented by Vietnamese American Community of Georgia Date: Jan 26, 2020 Time: 11:00 am-9:00 pm Venue: 6100 Live Oak Parkway, Norcross GA NACA Chinese New Year & Fundraising Banquet Date: Saturday, Feb 1, 2020 Time: 6:30 pm Venue: Canton House For more info: www.naca-atlanta.org

R A N N E W U L Y Y EAR! P P AH

Origin of Hongbao In Chinese and some Southeast Asian societies, a red packet or hong bao (Mandarin) is a monetary gift given during special occasions such as weddings and, most notably, Lunar New Year. However, the significance of the Hongbao isn’t the cash held inside; it’s the red packet itself. This is because the color red symbolizes good luck and prosperity in Chinese cultures. But how did the custom of giving Hongbao originate, and how did it evolve to adapt to today’s modern world? Lets find out…

Origin There are two legends surrounding the custom of giving out Hongbao.

In the first legend, the Eight Immortals transformed themselves into coins to help an elderly couple save their son from a demon named Sui,

who terrorized him when he slept. One New Year’s Eve, as Sui appeared to harm the child, the coins, which were given to the child, produced a powerful light that warded off the demon. This story has since encouraged parents to give their children money wrapped in red paper, hence the term yā su qan (money that suppresses Sui).

The second legend recounts the occasion when the son of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty was born. To protect his baby, the Emperor gave gold and silver coins to his concubines to be used as charms. Subsequently, this practice was adopted by commoners and they began giving their children monetary gifts.

0 02 2 Year of the Rat

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Georgia Asian Times

2020 Lunar New Year of The Rat

like funerals and mourning ceremonies.

Using sharp objects

is traditionally associated with sweeping wealth away, while taking out the garbage is symbolized as dumping out good fortune from the house.

To ensure a prosperous year ahead, traditional families will abide by their set of beliefs and superstitions to kick off the year on the bright note.

Spring cleaning is usually done before the occasion.

Wearing ragged or black color clothes

In modern times, however, many of these superstitions have been discarded as the younger generations consider them outdated.

However, while some may still believe in these traditions, we’ve compiled a list of Lunar New Year taboos for you to take note of:

Breaking plates

It is believed that using sharp objects such as knives, scissors or needles during the festive season may give rise to unnecessary quarrels and disputes with family members or neighbors.

Washing clothes and hair Many people are reluctant to wash clothes on the first two days of the Lunar New Year as these two days are celebrated as the birthday of the Water God.

Avoid breaking tools, plates or glasses during Lunar New Year as it may result in money loss and family splits in the future.

Taboo words Start the year with a positive spirit and avoid negative words such as death, ghost, killing, breaking, pain, losing and poverty.

Crying

Some also believe that it is important not to wash their hair on the first day of the Chinese New Year as it may wash away one’s fortune.

Sweeping and dumping on the first day

Eating porridge for breakfast Avoid eating porridge for breakfast on the first day of Lunar New Year, so you don’t derail a good start to the year.

Avoid wearing old or dirty clothes as it symbolizes poverty and misfortune.

The Chinese are discouraged from sweeping their house on the first day of Lunar New Year as it

Lending money is considered an unlucky omen which is associated with economic loss.

Alternatively, asking for return of debts owed is also a taboo during Lunar New Year.

Avoid these Lunar New Year taboos to avert bad luck The Lunar New Year is an auspicious occasion where cultural practices are observed to avert misfortune and bad luck throughout the year.

Lending and borrowing money

Instead dress up in new clothes to usher in new beginnings.

Besides, dressing in dark colors is associated with woeful occasions

In the past, less fortunate people only could afford rice porridge.

Therefore, superstitious folks believed that it’s a bad omen as only poor people have porridge for breakfast.

It is believed that the cries of a child bring bad luck to the family and could trigger a series of misfortunes.

Therefore, avoid scolding your children during the festive season.

2020 Lunar New Year of The Rat

Georgia Asian Times

Horoscope Forecast for The Year of Rat Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

In their year, the Rat natives need to make plans for the future, they must be perseverant, watchful and, above all, they must enjoy everything surrounding them. At work, excellent opportunities will occur along with an increase in salary. If, however, the Rats feel caught, bored or unable to progress, they need to follow their ideas, especially if they want to evolve – action will be the keyword during this year for all the Rats – there is no time for laziness or waiting for wonders to happen. In 2020, they will celebrate, they will get involved in social events, and they will travel. Also, they will recall the passions and hobbies they left behind, and they will look upon them with different eyes because, in 2020, they will prove to be extremely useful. Altogether, this year is going to be pleasant and prosperous for the Rats who follow their dreams. May and August will be especially favorable for new friendships or alliances.

We wish everyone a Metal Rat Year full of health, wellness, and fortune.

Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)

The Ox native can feel a bit tired after the chaos of the last months of 2019. Throughout 2020, they will continue to focus on their work, with excellent promotion perspectives, and the chance to obtain better positions or new acquaintances. It is important for the Ox natives to find time for fun and social events so that they can also relax and enjoy life. The year 2020 will be lucky for the Ox natives, with possible financial gains or unexpected gifts throughout the year. Also, their friends will play an important role during this year, offering them support, friendship, and entertainment. For the Ox, who is not the embodiment of the most social animal from the Zodiac, it is essential not to neglect their existent circle of friends. Their kind opinions and disinterested advice will be less sought in 2020. From March to August, they will go through a terrible time in terms of career advancement.

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

The final months of 2019 can bring frustrations for the Tiger natives if they get involved in too many projects or ideas. It is important to step carefully during the Rat year if they want to set the basis of a good year. Otherwise, this year, they will be accompanied by disappointments and frustrations.

The Tigers who are dissatisfied in their careers will have a hard time changing it in 2010. However, some unexpected and especially lucky occasions will occur throughout the year, but if you are not careful enough, they will disappear in a second! The Tigers need to keep their impulsive nature under control in 2020 and, if they can do it, this year will prove to be extremely pleasant, lucky, and satisfying. Between July and October is the ideal time for a new passionate love story.

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

During the last months of 2019, the Rabbits had to be very careful with their finances, trying to avoid any potential issues in the future. 2020 will prove to be a fun year, full of social interactions, marked by love stories and meetings with friends. This year, the single Rabbits may find their soul mates. It is important for the Rabbits to be careful and to avoid taking risks during the Rat year. Also, they should try to avoid gossips and rumors that will start to flow abundantly towards the middle of the year, affecting their reputation. The house and the heart are essential this year, offering the comfortable retreat they will need in a year full of events. In April and October, some special occasions to travel and socialize will occur.

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

This is the year when all the Dragon natives will manage to fulfill their dreams, so “live the moment”!

It’s going to be a busy but happy year for most of the Dragon natives, with their exuberant personality in great shape. Traveling is a well-positioned domain, but it comes with a warning – check all the traveling papers and work out all the details. Continuous planning is the keyword during the Rat year! As a careerist, the Dragon natives who look for a new job will receive an interesting proposal that will make them feel appreciated and confident. At home, for the Dragons who love their home, this year is going to be special. The time spent with their families will recharge them with energy, offering intense relaxation. Their attention to budget and their wise investments will make the Rat year extremely satisfying and happy. From March to May it is a favorable period for career changes and promotions.

Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

The last months of 2019 brought a change in the social activities of Snakes, leaving them drained of energy and with the feeling they are out of the cards. But all the Snakes need to be brave because the Rat year will fully reward them. As a creative year for them, it will offer them things they’ve been thinking about all the time, and a lot of opportunities will occur throughout the year. In 2020, the Snake natives need to pay great attention to their financial problems. Although they are normally very cautious and vigilant when it comes to money, this year, the Snakes will need to be even more careful. In terms of career, they need to show greater flexibility if they want to advance or to change their job. This change can come with a bit of help from people in a higher position. The Snakes will spend happy moments at home, next to their families and friends, which will bring them a lot of joy. The period between July and November is fabulous for socializing.

Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Socially, the year 2019 will end in an optimistic note for the Horse natives, and they will probably expect the Rat year to continue the same. However, it is possible for 2020 to be a restless and demanding year for the Horses, something that will discourage and worry them. It is important for the Horse

natives to remember that this year’s challenges are life lessons and due to their tenacity and inner force, they will overcome all their problems. Planning the year will prove extremely helpful for the Horses because it will give them the feeling that they can control the direction. Also, it is important to make a sustained effort and to listen to their co-workers and friends because, in 2020, they will be able to smooth the rough road of the Horse natives. March and August are excellent months for exciting journeys and adventures.

Sheep (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

The Rat year is going to bring great accomplishments for the Goat natives, as long as they regard each issue in a detailed, orderly, and organized manner. The talented Goats, as most of them are, can expect exciting plans and wonderful ideas. Some excellent opportunities will also occur for the single Goats who are looking for the ideal partner. For the Goat natives who want to find a job or to change their careers, if they are confident in their strength and show some enthusiasm, 2020 will bring some interesting offers. Family life is possible to change with the arrival of a baby, but other happy family events are to be expected. Financially, this is a good year for the Goats, who will earn revenues from their creations or they will receive an inheritance. They will establish valuable friendships in July or August.

Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

The Rat year is going to be outstanding for the Monkey natives who will regain their enthusiasm and determination. Throughout the year, they will have a lot of opportunities that will place them in the spotlight, transforming the year in real success. The Monkeys should write down all their inspired ideas because they will ensure recognition for their work, which will also come with material benefits.

It is important for the Monkey to share their problems or worries in any domain because if they keep them for themselves, they will risk increased anxiety and, in the end, bad choices. They need to take into consideration any chance to study or to gather knowledge. If they follow their dreams and hopes, it is possible for the Rat year to be one of the most memorable years, with a lot of fortune and progress.

August, November, and December will bring great opportunities to socialize.

Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

The Rat year is going to be very diverse for the Rooster natives, but if they know what is best for them, they will enjoy a path with no obstacles. This is not a favorable year for gambling or excessive spending, and the budget needs to be carefully thought out to avoid any difficulties. Focus and determination will help the unfulfilled and unhappy Roosters in their careers. While is not going to be easy to change jobs, it is possible to get the attention of a very influent person who can help them. Socially, this is going to be a year full of fun with a slight amendment. Gossips and indiscretions need to be avoided because they will harm the Rooster’s image. With all these events in their life, the house will seem a paradise and they will use any opportunity to spend time with family and close friends. The period between April and August will prove especially fortunate, with a bit of effort from the Rooster natives.

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

In 2020, the attention will be focused on career advancement and material improvement. An unexpected job offer or even a job change is possible during the Rat year, which will be a real delight for the Dog. With careful planning, their financial situation will progress this year, offering them safety and the possibility to make investments in their own home. Many Dog natives will decide to get married or to have a baby during this year, the affective domain being well-configured. Excellent occasions must be seized before they disappear, which is also true for the other signs of the Zodiac, therefore the Dog natives need to be constantly watchful and full of enthusiasm throughout the year. Friendship is important for the Dog natives this year and it will be in their interest to socialize and meet new friends. Only through their effort, they will make 2020 a memorable year. June and October are favorable months for romance.

Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

At the end of 2019, the end of their year, they will enjoy a lot of fun and happiness, social contacts, and love stories. On the other hand, the Rat year means a new cycle for the entire Zodiac, which is something the Pig finds extremely murky – they are not willing to change. However, take a deep breath and let yourself get carried away, 2020 can be an interesting and successful year for all the Pig natives.

Pay more attention to legal issues, financial details, and documents – be alert in any business deal so you can avoid problems. Also, the Pigs must be extremely selective when it comes to trust. This year, you will need to take a lot of decisions in your personal life, and the family and friends will prove to be valuable and useful. May and August are going to be important months in terms of career advancement.