Year of the Snake

 蛇(snake) 2013 is the year of the snake. Sometimes the snake is referred to as "the little dragon" because it comes after the year of the dragon and both are reptiles.Snake years are sixth in the Chinese animal zodiac cycle, and recurs every twelfth year. Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so you can't rely on the year you were born alone to determine your zodiac animal. You should check a calendar which asks for the month and date as well for a more accurate determination of what zodiac animal you are. These two sites I found were pretty accurate with my sign: Zodiac and Chinese Astrology Calculator

Years of the snake are: 1905,1917,1929,1941,1953,1965,1977,1989,2001, 2013

To give an example as to why it is important to check the date of when each year begins is my own animal zodiac. For instance, I am a dog though my year, 1995, indicates a boar in.  The reason why I am a dog though is because my birthday was within the 15 days of Chinese New Year. I am technically half dog half boar because I was right on that transition day. 

Though not entirely accurate, here are some things about a typical "snake" person. According to ancient wisdom, a snake in the household is a good because it means the family will not starve. Some people interpret this as the snake will give up things to feed his/her family or that the snake is good with money to be able to buy food. Snakes are seen as wise, intelligent, good business people, and good with money. 

• logical and rational
• quiet
• complex 
• sometimes egoistic and greedy

They are well known for their intuitive nature, adding mysteriousness to the character of a snake person. There are all different types of snakes varying in color and pattern. This variety tends to lead snake people to love to appreciate beauty and have exceptional tastes.

This year the element of the snake is water. Water snakes are influential and insightful. They are very good in an organizational setting and can manage others well. They are motivated for success and want to be rewarded for their efforts. They are affectionate with their family and friends, but private and come off as cold towards fellow workers in a professional setting.

Overall Summary of the Snake for 2013
The snake can read complicated situations with a clear mind. Business will be good, but important documents will require lots of attention to detail. This year will be advantageous to do important work with detail. Look for new ways to do things with the clever mind of the snake. A new ambition to achieve greatness will inspire you to be all you can be, and provide you with the motivation to achieve goals.
 
But for the year 2013, the snake needs to watch for over-commitments. Snakes tend to be greedy people, but somewhat vain and spend more money than they have. This can cause tension in the a relationship. Create a safe working environment for this year. In order to utilize the snake's analytic abilities, it needs to feel safe and protected before securing its goals. The path to the goals of a snake are slow, but will most likely be achieved and accomplished.

Random Details about the Snake

• Best compatibility: Ox and Rooster.
• Okay compatibility: Rat, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep.
• Incompatible: Tiger and Pig.
• Lucky colors: Yellow, Red
• Lucky directions: Southwest, Northeast
• Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 7, and 9.
• Monday is the lucky day of the week for Snakes.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is coming up soon for the year of the snake. Traditionally, the holiday is celebrated for 15 days, but now it is usually only celebrated on the first day, which is on February 10^th this year. Every year the date for the New Year changes according to the solar calendar (the standard) because Chinese holidays are based on the lunar calendar, one that has fewer months. In many Asiatic countries, Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays. There are countless customs and traditions that go along with Chinese New Year; however, I will only talk about the ones most familiar to my family and me. Every story is somewhat different, but this is my version of how the holiday got started.

Legend has it that the holiday started long ago because of a horrible monster called, "Nian." Nian has been described as many different creatures, sometimes as a dragon, a unicorn, or just a beast. All say that Nian was a ferocious and very ugly creature though. On the first 15th of the lunar year, the monster would come down from the mountain to wreck havoc and eat people from the villages. Everyone was terrified of the monster and didn't know what to do, until an old wise man came to the village one day nearing the time of Nian's return.

The old wise man was questioned as to why he was not fearful of the monster's return. The old man said he knew Nian's weakness and told the villagers that the monster hated loud noises and the color red. The villagers were instructed to beat drums and gongs, set off fireworks, and wear red clothing.

The day Nian came down to eat the villagers, they set off fireworks and made as much noise as possible to scare off the monster. When he tried to eat people, he saw the color red and could not eat them. He was chased out of the village and the villagers were saved. To celebrate the survival of the village, everyone wore their newest and best clothes to remember the moment. Now every year around the New Year time, the villagers would do the same thing to keep Nian away from the village. 

The word "nian" also means "year." A common greeting around new year is, "Xin Nian Kuai Le" which means Happy New Year or literally "let the new year be joyful."

Customs: It is tradition for parents/married couples to give red envelopes ("hong bao") to children. Inside these red envelopes is money. The red, like many of the various decorations used during the New Year, signifies good luck and wards off bad spirits. Some more silly children (perhaps rude in some cases) like to say teasingly, "Gong Xi Fa Cai, Hong Bao Na Lai." Which means, "Happy new year, give me money." The reason why they say this is because it rhymes. When receiving red envelopes it is very important to thank the giver and to avoid opening the envelopes in front of them. There are also customs where you aren't supposed to open them at all and keep it under your pillow for one night then open it for good luck.


Fu Sign: No it is not "f...u" it is the character for, "Luck." The sign is intentionally posted outside one's door upside down. This is something my family still does.

Lion dance: The lion dance is a type of ritual/performance of 2 “lions” though more akin to dogs. The lion is controlled by 2 people. One person plays the head and the other, the tail. The lion dance is performed with a loud drum, gongs, and cymbals and is believed to ward off evil spirits. The lion dance is also a symbolic ritual to invite in the New Year. Many people hire/request lion dancers to come and perform for festivities in the street, temples, or events.

While fireworks and firecrackers are very popular, some countries have banned them due to fire hazards and public safety. I know in Taiwan, that in urban settings they’re banned but in rural settings they’re still permitted. 

This is just to give background on the origins or Chinese New Year and some typical traditions. There are a ton more traditions, especially concerning New Year foods! More to come on Chinese New Year Cuisine.

Introduction

As the title suggests, this blog will be all about Taiwan. Now whether or not you believe Taiwan is a country or province, there are sights and tastes unique to this small island off the coast of Eastern China. The island is one unknown to the average person, yet coveted by many. It is a mix of modern New York type cities like the capital, Taipei and countryside farms such as in Chiayi. Taiwan has been influenced by many different countries and cultures such as: China, Portugal, Japan, and last but not least, its own native aboriginal tribes. These various influences create an interesting blend of culture that is found in Taiwan.

Map of Taiwan

With its booming economy and fusion of tradition and modernization, this island is definitely one to be explored for your next vacation trip. Why am I so adamant towards this tiny island? Well, since my mother is Taiwanese (a person from Taiwan), almost every summer since I was young I have visited Taiwan and am absolutely enamored with the place. Although my main purpose is to visit family, I have had to opportunity to explore the country's elements. The affordable living costs, conveniences, cuisine, scenery, shopping, everything about it is wonderful. Well, except for the mosquitoes and the 90 plus degree weather in the summer...... And perhaps the occasional typhoon/rainy season..... But those are but minor nuances to the island's "plus's."

In this blog, I will post pictures of various sights and foods, perhaps a video or two (if I can find some). I will talk about major sights to see, local specialties, hidden gems, and my opinions and experiences with these things. From time to time I will also add in some festival events that occur throughout the year. I might even add in some of the country's customs and do's and don'ts. Popular new trends and music are something I can include as well. Just about anything and everything Taiwan related I might post! (Except for politically related information, for obvious reasons.)