The Chinese year 4707 begins today! The year of the ox. 

Chinese months are decided using the lunar calendar, with each month starting on the darkest day. Festivities traditionally start on the 1st day of the month and continue until the 15th of the month, when the moon is brightest. Did you know in China, people may take weeks (yes weeks) of vacation from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year?  And you thought staying up until 2:00am was something special.

This year is said to be an obstinate one.  Hmm. You think?

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came (I guess the others were too busy), and Buddha named a year after each one. It is said that he decided people born in each animal’s year would have some of that animal’s personality. I was born in the year of the snake. No comments please. Those born in ox years tend to be painters, engineers, and architects. They are stable, fearless, obstinate, hard-working and friendly.  These would all be good characteristics for a travel specialist, don’t you think?

So, while you may not be an ox (your chances are only one in twelve) why don’t you act like one for the year? Be stable; keep your course. Be fearless; stop worrying about that which you cannot change. Be obstinate; you’re in travel so you’ve likely got this one covered. Be hard-working; keep pushing and don’t stop. Be friendly; as my mom says, be nice to people and they’ll be nice to you. Again, Kung Hey Fat Choy!