A traditional Chinese New year greeting, "Gong Xi Fa Cai" which is loosely translated to "Congratulations and be prosperous", is often mistakenly assumed to be synonymous with "Happy New Year". Unlike western calendars, the lunar Chinese new year calendar has names that are repeated every 60 years. Within the 'Stem-Branch' system is the shorter cycle of 12 years denoted by animals and 2010 is the Chinese year of the Tiger. In particular, this is the year of Gēng-yín (Metal Tiger). Gēng is the seventh of the ten celestial stems and Yín (Tiger) is the third of the twelve terrestrial branches, thus February 14th 2010 marks the year of the Tiger with its association to bravery. Tiger people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. They can be extremely short-tempered, however. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. Sometimes Tiger people cannot make up their minds, which can result in a poor, hasty decision or a sound decision arrived at too late. They are suspicious of others, but they are courageous and powerful. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs.
Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Lunar Calendar. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most. Celebrated in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese, Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the new year celebrations of its geographic neighbors, as well as cultures with whom the Chinese have had extensive interaction. Las Vegas is no exception, with an exclusive area within the city named Chinatown, both locals and visitors will soon see the Lion Dance, red envelopes and the firecrackers.
The best place to witness the passing of the season from Christmas to Chinese New Year is at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Armed with my camera, I took some photos from the indoor garden. This exhibit will be open to the public through February 28th. If you are in town, don't forget to drop by.
To all my friends, I want to greet you "GONG XI FA CAI".
Follow this link for the pictures:
2010 Chinese New Year of the Metal Tiger
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