The fun superficiality of the Chinese calendar actually runs deeply from observations made thousands of years ago that still apply to life today. The Chinese calendar was invented by emperor Huang Di in 2637 BCE, (our Gregorian calendar was invented in 1582CE). Incidentally, the emperor also wrote one of the most important early texts (Neijing) regarding Chinese medicine, human life and living in harmony with our environment, or “universal law”. Maoshing Ni, translator of the Neijing said, “The observations in the Neijing were stunningly scientific. Its contents are as relevant for life in the twentieth century as they were two millennia ago”.

 

The connection to “universal law” is pervasive throughout all aspects of being human, affecting day to day living, farming, health care, etc. More specifically, the five elements; fire, earth, metal, water and wood correspond with each season, (earth relates to the time between each season) organ, sound, smell, etc. The calendar also incorporates the Five Elements, and this new year corresponds to the Fire element. Fire corresponds with the heart, pericardium and small intestine, summer, socializing, joy, laughter, the sun, examples forever…

 

Chinese New Year marks the start of a new lunar cycle and falls at the beginning of spring, (in China) when the earth wakes up from dormancy and brings forth new life. Spring is a time when people have a tendency to clean their environment, homes and their bodies in order to give plenty of room for new growth, both physically and emotionally. This new year, or “Spring Festival” is the year of the Fire Rooster and began Saturday, January 28. While the details run very deeply when we consider that the year will impact each person according to where and when each individual was born, we can also consider what we generally know about the Fire element and the Rooster. Using both his voice and body language, the rooster is an excellent communicator, as we clearly hear the unmistakable wake up call. The hen is also quite boisterous letting everyone know that she’s laid an egg. You could say they are quite obnoxious. Their movements are full of purpose and they have a very busy, sober, stabilizing energy. It is a year to work hard, set goals with great intention and purpose, and walk your talk with confidence. Together with the Fire element characteristics mentioned above, the summer (social / fire) time may be full of fiery communication! Depending upon individual personality, some may get completely run over by the energy of the rooster. So! If you are the quiet type, and if there is something you must say or do, gather your peeps to make your voice louder to help accomplish your goals.