Chinese New Year 2020: Year of the Rat

 

The Rat is the Chinese zodiac sign known for being inquisitive, shrewd, and resourceful. The Rat is also the first in the rotation of the 12 zodiac signs, meaning that a Rat year is a year of renewal.

Chinese astrology is extremely in tune with the natural world and the natural order, and in addition to the 12 zodiac signs, there are five elements that also affect your zodiac sign: Wood, Earth, Water, Fire, and Metal. The Chinese also believe in the concept of Yin (feminine, passive, dark energy) and Yang (masculine, light, active energy). All of these symbols and energies come together to make you who you are.

Being the first of the zodiac signs, the Rat year generally delivers new experiences with favourable outcomes for all signs. The Metal element for 2020 indicates success, and with all of these properties combined, the year of the Metal Rat looks to be a year that is filled with growth and accomplishments.

Lucky things for Rats (not literally!) include the colours gold, blue and green; numbers 2 and 3; and directions northeast and southwest. On the other hand, unlucky things for Rats include yellow and brown; 5 and 9; and the direction west.

Facts for CNY:

— Chinese New Year causes the largest human migration in the world. Family reunion is the most important part of the festival with everyone travelling home for the NYE dinner together.

— Singles hire stand-in boyfriends/girlfriends as in many cultures, passing down the family name carries huge importance in Chinese culture. To save the questions by nosy relatives, desperate singles resort to hiring their other half.

— Before CNY there is a day dedicated to cleaning to sweep away the bad luck from the year and make room for good luck in the new year.

— On New Year’s Day, showering, sweeping or throwing out garbage isn’t allowed. This is to make sure you don’t wash/throw away the good luck.

What to do for CNY in HK

For those of you sticking around during the holidays, here’s a useful list of things happening in the 852.

2020 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Carnival

Instead of the usual parade, this 4-day carnival will see all the typical parade highlights from colourful floats, lion dances, firecrackers, acrobats and traditional chinese dancers. Not to mention the spectacular fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.

Chinese New Year Race Day

One of the biggest horse racing events of the year. Race day will start with a traditional lion dance as well as fortune tips from a feng shui master.

Flower Markets

Victoria Park in Causeway Bay and Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok are amongst the best flower markets – in Honk Kong – where you can find plenty of fun festivities.

Hike

Take a walk up to The Peak. With it being the highest point on Hong Kong Island, it’s believed to bring good luck for the New Year.