Hey Friends!
Can you believe we're halfway through the month? It's mid-January which means that this weekend is Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year!
We love learning about different cultural traditions (and superstitions) worldwide and even added this book to our reading list. If you ever wondered how the Lunar Calendar came to be, don't worry – we've got you covered along with other fun reads, a trip down memory lane with local entrepreneur Johnny Lee, and tasty dishes to feast on.
Wishing you a prosperous new year! 🏮
From your Dragon and Horse friends at WW
(and no, we will not tell you our birth years)
🐲 Chinese Zodiac – The Great Race 🐶
While there are many renditions of the story, we decided to use the version from the gorgeous book, The Chinese Zodiac: And Other Paths to Luck, Riches & Prosperity by Aaron Hwang.
So the legend begins…
Photo credit: THE HEAVENLY GATE RACE, A CHINESE ZODIAC ORIGIN STORY
There once was a race organized by the Jade Emperor – one of the most important gods in the traditional Chinese religion. He wanted to invent a calendar that would map the flow of qì in the universe.
So the Jade Emperor declared a race. The first twelve animals that could visit his Heavenly Palace would receive a permanent place in the calendar by having one of the twelve phases named after them.
Thus, the order was Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Cat entered the race with Rat but never finished. Therefore, the relationship between rats and cats has been foul since. (Please refer to Tom and Jerry for further examples.)
The Lunar New Year 🏮
Traditionally, Lunar New Year is about 16 days (Jan. 21st - Feb. 5th). It’s a time to refresh one’s luck and welcome new fortune; a time to celebrate and have communal meals and gatherings with friends and family.
Other Far East countries also celebrate Lunar New Year, such as Tibet, Korea, Vietnam, and Mongolia.
As the next New Year approaches, move toward it with sure steps and clear eyes. Don’t forget that gratitude is to the past what wishing is to the future, an honoring of all that life has to offer. Celebrate all that you’ve accomplished so far, as it will fortify you moving forward - The Chinese Zodiac, Aaron Hwang
2023 is the Year of the Rabbit 🐰
Rabbits are said to be peacemakers, bringers of change, and new possibilities. This zodiac symbolizes sensitivity, diplomacy, art and beauty, and fertility. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. At WW, we sure hope for growth (so please, “hop” to it and share our newsletter with your friends and family 😉).