Year of the Rat

Every year over the Lunar New Year, we love seeing the incredible Zodiac Spectacular at the atrium at Crown Towers in Melbourne, Australia. This display features twelve large-scale luminous animals of the Chinese zodiac with over sixty lanterns. This year, the Year of the Rat, the exhibit also features a traditional wishing tree with red envelopes where Melburnians can express support and raise funds for wildlife relief and recovery through the work of Zoos Victoria. Visitors are encouraged to leave messages of hope as well as donations. In honor of the Lunar New Year on January 25, the Atrium also features performances by a lion dance team to “chase away evil spirits” along with a Hawker-style food market. We came across some dancers rehearsing for their performance tomorrow, and my hotel also provided some lovely Lunar New Year treats. The first animal in the twelve-year Chinese Zodiac, rats are known for “being clever, inquisitive and resourceful, which translates into a great year for new experiences and opportunities for success.” We like the way that sounds! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Year of the Pig

One of our favorite Lunar New Year exhibits is the incredible Zodiac Spectacular at the Atrium at Crown Towers in Melbourne, Australia. This display features large-scale luminous animals of the Chinese zodiac. In honor of the Lunar New Year on February 5, the Atrium also features daily performances during the first ten days of this month by a lion dance team to “chase away evil spirits.” (There is also a Hawker-style food market with roving entertainers along the Crown Riverwalk and a fireworks display on February 9.) Back here in New York City, revelers can celebrate with the annual Firecracker Ceremony in Roosevelt Park on February 5 and the famous New Year Parade and Festival in Chinatown on February 17. Feng Shui Master Marites Allen has forecasts and advice for the Year of Pig: “Possible upheavals may happen as economies of certain countries may be largely disrupted due to changes in rules and market conditions.” And: “Be more considerate, understanding and avoid discussions that could lead to you being misinterpreted. Display your peace and harmony emblems at home.” Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Year of the Rooster

The rooster, part of the Zodiac Spectacular at Crown Towers in Melbourne, Australia.

It's the Lunar New Year! Communities in the United States and around the world will celebrate the Lunar New Year beginning tomorrow, Saturday, January 28. According to the Chinese zodiac, it will be the Year of the Rooster. The tenth in the twelve-year cycle of Chinese zodiac signs, the rooster represents fidelity and punctuality. In Melbourne, Australia, where Protima is traveling for business, there are many events for the New Year including the Dragon Parade in Chinatown along with the incredibly beautiful Zodiac Spectacular featuring a large-scale display of animals of the Chinese zodiac at the Atrium at Crown Towers.

Back here in New York City, in addition to the New Year’s Day Firecracker Ceremony and New Year Parade, revelers can enjoy the light installation at the Empire State Building tonight as well as the New York Philharmonic Chinese New Year Concert at Lincoln Center next week. However you celebrate, know that according to advice prepared for the Zodiac Spectacular by Master Janene Laird (AFSM) "you should feel empowered this year with a renewed sense of purpose and ready to take on any new challenges or projects which lay ahead." But those born in a Rooster year should be careful since they are "offending the Tai Sui or Grand Duke and this can lead to careless mistakes, lapses in judgment or even knife injuries."

Year of the Goat

Despite some debate over exactly what kind of animal is associated with this lunar new year, reliable reports suggest that 2015 will be "a memorable year in terms of important, impactful events." Also important to know: the overall theme for the year is "'creativity and diligence resulting in prosperity.'"