HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

In legends, Buddha asked animals to meet him on the Chinese New Year. Twelve animals came and he named a year after each of these animals. He then announced that a person born in a respective year will have the personality traits of the animal that year was named for. The upcoming Chinese New Year is the year of the goat; the year of the horse ends February 18. The goat is the 12th animal in the 12-year cycle. It is said that people who are born in 2015 will be loving peace, be kind and popular. With the addition of the wood element, the goat characteristic is thought to be helpful and trusting.

The Chinese New Year traditionally is celebrated with the color red, which symbolizes fire and wards off evil spirits. Family members give one another “lucky money” in red envelopes and enjoy immense firework displays, which also are thought to ward off evil spirits. On the 15th day, a lantern festival is held and oftentimes there is a parade under the full moon. In many traditions, along with the lantern festival, a dragon dance is done.

An array of predictions were made for the year of the sheep in 2015, many of which reflect positive forecasts in financial markets. Northrop & Johnson would like to wish our clients the happiest Chinese New Year and best wishes for the year ahead.