Welcome, Chinese year 4709 -- the Year of the Rabbit!
Traditionally, the Rabbit brings a placid year in which we can exhale deeply and mend our frayed nerves. After last year’s ferocious, battle-heavy Year of the Tiger, the Rabbit is quite welcome and needed.
I would like to see you ring in the Rabbit with the utmost civility. Chinese New Year celebrations are all about family, respect and red, red, red. This occasion is simply drenched in the festive hue.Various customs include wearing red clothing, giving money gifts in red envelopes and hanging red lanterns. It’s commonly believed that red symbolizes fire, which legendarily fends off bad luck and evil spirits. This is why firecrackers are nearly mandatory on this holiday.
Oh, another custom: It’s widely considered improper to raise your voice, tell lies, break anything or use indecent language on the first day of the year. Oh, come on, potty mouth, it’s not impossible. I was able to pull it off last year. And, trust me, if I can do it, anyone can.
I wish you a lovely year filled with all things good.