Year of the Dog

Paris Marathon Training: Week 8 of 18
Today’s target run: off
Today’s completed run: off

Believe it or not, I still pay attention to many things Asian…one of those is Chinese New Year. Today (January 29), Lunar New Year celebrations begin all over the world, heralding the end of the Rooster's reign and welcoming the Year of the Dog under the Chinese zodiac.
First, what’s the Chinese Zodiac all about?

Well, the Chinese zodiac dates back more than 3,000 years. There are various legends as to how the twelve animal signs arose. According to one version, the twelve animals quarrelled one day as to who should head the “cycle of years” (yes, the years begin to cycle over after 12 ). The gods were asked to decide this quandary and thus, a contest was proposed. Whoever reached the opposite bank of the river first would lead the cycle of years, and the rest of the animals would follow according to their finishing order.

The twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unbeknownst to the ox, the rat had jumped on his back. As the ox was about to reach the bank, the rat jumped off the ox's back, and won the race. The pig, who was lazy, came last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.

Another story recalls that Buddha named a year after each animal and declared that people born under that sign would take on certain characteristics of the animal. As an FYI, this is the year of the dog.

According to Chinese folklore, people born in the year of the dog have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest and hate injustice. Dogs fight for equality and freedom, making them good leaders -- although they do have an acute desire to please. Dogs can also be stubborn, defensive, and vicious if provoked. They strive to be the top dog and will do anything to stay there. Being born in the Year of the Dog usually signifies friendship with people born in the years of the rat, ox, snake and pig; there can be difficulties with people born under the signs of the dragon and horse.

Famous “dogs” include pop stars Jennifer Lopez and Madonna, business tycoon Donald Trump, former U.S. President Bill Clinton and current U.S. President George W. Bush, along with his father, George Bush. South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun, born in 1946, also comes under the sign of the dog.

So, it is that time in Asia when Chinese New Tear celebrations ramp up, which involve much decorating with Chinese new Years decorations (lots of red and gold), the preparation of favorite foods, spending time with family and friends, and visits to local temples. And of course, almost a whole week off from work, which I am totally onboard with.

Chinese New Year celebrations are the longest and most important in the Chinese calendar for more than 1 billion ethnic Chinese around the world. The celebrations begin with the new moon on the first day of the year and end 15 days later on the full moon with a lantern ceremony. This year, celebrations for Chinese New Year run from January 29 to February 12.

Yes, I look for any reason for a celebration, even one that is an adopted custom from a part of the world the Budman and I grew to love. Tomorrow, the Chinese New Year decorations make their appearance in the German apartment….what I would give for some good dim sum or a trip to Din Tai Fung right about now…

For more information on Chinese New Year, check out the following:
http://chineseculture.about.com/cs/newyear/index.htm
http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/chinese_new_year.html