Gung Hay Fat Choy, Happy Chinese New Year…May Prosperity Be With You.

Chinese New Year is just a couple of days away; this year is February 7, 2008. It is the year of the Rat, the Rat is the first sign of the zodiac, as Rat people are creative problem solver, imaginative, hyperactive worker respected for its resourcefulness; intuitive with ability in acquiring and holding on to things it values. If you are curious about other animals, and see what your birth animal sign will bring in 2008, you can read Chinese animal predictions 2008 by Michael Hanna, a Feng Shui master.

According to Michael, Chinese astrology is not like western astrology. The whole idea of it is to be informed of what may come and how you can apply cures and enhancers to avoid potential problems and having the information in advance, you can avoid many of the problems that are forecasted. The information will also assist you to be prepared and to make informed decisions that may affect your wellbeing and endeavors. It is important that you know when and how to avoid the bad influences during the year… you will come across websites or other Practitioners who will predict all sorts of doom and gloom for a certain animal in any year, please take this with a pinch of salt and enjoy a great 2008.

I think what I miss most during this time of the year is Chinatown New York, when I lived there, I used to go see the parade, following them from store to store, firecrackers made lots of noise but it was loads of fun. I found some photos of Chinese New Year Parade 2006 in Chinatown New York taken by Emin New York that brought back many of my childhood memories growing up in NYC.

The Finest Ice Cream in the World is the ice cream parlor that I often visit when I’m in the area. They have many ice cream flavors that I like.

If you plan to visit New York City during this time of the year, the Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2008 from 11-3 p.m in Chatham Square, intersection of Bowery, Mott & East Broadway. The firecracker ceremony is intended to wand off evil spirits. Also, a large stage will feature all-day cultural performances by traditional and contemporary Asian-American singers and dancers. Plus, a dozen lion, dragon, and unicorn dance troupes will march through Chinatown’s main streets, including Mott Street, the Bowery, East Broadway, Bayard Street, Elizabeth Street, and Pell Street. I would love to be there in person.