January 26, is the Chinese New Year, The Year of the Ox. We received the following card from our friend and realtor Henry Chu, and I think it will help you to learn a little more about the coming year...enjoy
2009
THE YEAR OF THE OX
1/26/2009 - 2/13/2010 (Earth)
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2009 is the Year of the Ox. The Ox, or the Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Those born under the influence of the Ox or Buffalo are fortunate to be stable and persevering. The typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character. Not many people could equal the resolution and fearlessness that the Ox exhibits when deciding to accomplish a task. Ox people work hard without complaints at work or at home. They know that they will succeed through hard work and sustained efforts, and do not believe in get-rich-quick schemes.
Ox Years: 2/19/1901 - 2/7/1902 (Metal), 2/6/1913 - 1/25/1914 (Water), 1/25/1925 - 2/12/1926 (Wood), 2/11/1937 - 1/30/1938 (Fire), 1/29/1949 - 2/16/1950 (Earth), 2/15/1961 - 2/4/1962 (Metal), 2/3/1973 - 1/22/1974 (Water), 2/20/1985 - 2/8/1986 (Wood), 2/7/1997 - 1/27/1998 (Fire), 1/26/2009 - 2/13/2010 (Earth)
Famous Ox People: President Barack Obama, Catherine Freeman, Heather Locklear, Jane Fonda, Jack Nicholson, Juliette Lewis, Margaret Thatcher, Meg Ryan, Meryl Streep, Princess Diana, Vivien Leigh and George Clooney.
The Sign of the Ox
Invariably solid and dependable, Ox people are excellent organizers. Oxen are systematic in their approach to every task they undertake. They are not easily influenced by other's ideas. Loyalty is a part of their make-up, but if deceived they will not forget. Oxen do not appear to be imaginative though they are capable of good ideas. Although not demonstrative or the most exciting people romantically, they are entirely dependable, and make devoted parents. Oxen are renowned for their patience, but it has its limits - once roused, their temper is a sight to behold.
People born under the sign of the Ox or Buffalo usually have strong codes and work ethics. This can lead to a tendency to be a workaholic, and they should make an effort to relax more. Ox people are usually strong and robust, and according to ancient wisdom, they should be blessed with long lives.
The Ox home is his castle where he finds relaxation and peace from the everyday hustle and bustle of his career or responsibilities. He also enjoys spending much time in planting gardens and trees. He generally prefers to decorate his home comfortably with nature colors.
Able, ethical and aware, co-workers of the Ox can depend on their eyes for details. Because they are so well-organized, they are better-suited for specialized positions and prefer to work in large companies. They work best when they work alone since they can be unhappy when participating in a large group.
In Chinese families, they spend the evening preparing dumplings called jiaozi. These dumplings are boiled, and a coin is often hidden in them. The person who finds the coin will have good luck in the New Year.
Let your children learn some Chinese traditions by sharing some of the Chinese cultural traditions with them. Chinese children are often given leisee, which are pred envelopes that re decorated with gold symbols, and filled with lucky money. Use an even amount of money, as an odd amount of money is given at funerals.
The Chinese believe that the color red is a symbol of good luck. Wear red, and use red in your decorating. Don't serve foods that are all-white in color, as white signifies death and misfortune.
Oranges and Tangerines are served in abundance because they are plentiful in China, and symbolize good fortune.
Tray of Togetherness - This round or octagonal tray is divided in eight (the Chinese believe the number 8 i s lucky) compartments and filled with foods that each signify something different. Often times, it is dried fruit, that's starts the New Year off on a sweet note.
Picture from About.com
Check out this great site The Food Museum on Line to learn more about some of the traditional and foods. It is a wonderful site to explore.
Here is a good site for some easy recipes for the Chinese New Year as well. I was trying to find a good recipe for the blog, but Chinese Food is not my area of expertise. Instead, I found a great food blog that had a recipe for eggrolls that is fabulous, and has a step by step guide to making the eggrolls. Why mess with what an expert is showing you. Please visit this link and try these eggrolls, they look wonderful. I am going to head out to buy wrappers this afternoon, if I can find them here.
I personally love Chinese food. As a child growing up, my father was a barber and Monday's were his day off. We always went out for Chinese food on Monday. My mother would caution my brother Joseph, it was not such a good week Joe, so don't order too much, Joe would always order the lobster on the menu (now I know who my son Steven takes after, lol). In later years, there was a restaurant in Manhattan on 1 East Broadway (I believe that was also the name of the restaurant) that was truly authentic Chinese food, nothing like the Chinese restaurants you have experienced. The menu was in Chinese, the dishes were delicous, and my father would just tell them to bring out whatever they liked to eat...we were never disappointed. What wonderful memories, makes me miss my parents all the more!
Whether or not you are Chinese, celebrate the New Year, learn the traditions and cultures of others, teach that to your children, create memories...they last a lifetime!
PS: If you are in Las Vegas or San Francisco, and you need a realtor, you need Henry Chu.
He is one of the most honest men, and no pressure realtor you will ever meet, and just a nice man all around. Here are his contact numbers, give him a call you won't be sorry:
RE/MAX Today
1250 San Carlos Ave Suite 101, San Carlos, CA 94070
Direct: (650) 918-8118 |Office: (650) 595-5900
RE/MAX Pros
7580 W Sahara Ave Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89117
Direct: (702) 336-0211|Office: (702) 938-1600
Now Serving San Francisco Bay Area & Greater Las Vegas Area
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