If you were born in 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990 or, 2002 you are a horse. The first thing a horse must do in the new year is get your red underwear ready. Traditional Chinese believe that you must be cautious during the year as the spirits could take you from the earth. So to ward off any mishaps coming your way it helps to wear red all year-long. Underwear is the number one choice.

To help fund your undergarment purchases you may receive a red envelope. Red envelopes are generally given at social events like weddings and for the Chinese Lunar New Year. Everyone gets in on the action. The envelopes usually containing money are given to children, relatives, and close neighbors but you would also give one to your housekeeper, driver, laundress (yes, I have one – I don’t do laundry), gardener, hairdresser, you get the idea. The red color symbolizes good luck and is used to ward off evil spirits. The amount inside is also very important. Four is considered a very unlucky number (you will never see a 4th, 14th, 24th… floor in China) The number when pronounced sounds similar to the word for death. Eight is a very lucky number. 888 RMB would be a very nice gift.

Chinese New Year, or Spring festival, falls on January 31st this year and is considered the most important traditional chinese holiday. During this time people travel to be with their families and feast. During the first five days of the new year people eat long noodles to symbolize long life. On the 15th and final day of the celebration, round dumplings are shared as a sign of the family unit and of perfection. Fireworks are displayed each night and dragons made of silk, paper and bamboo dance through the streets. No one cleans on New Years day – you might sweep all the good fortune out the door. This is my kind of holiday.

If you happen to be a horse please note that the Chinese consider you popular, cheerful, skilled with money matters, hardworking, impatient, independent, intelligent and selfish.