2022 Chinese New Year: Year Of The Tiger
Gong Xi Fa Chai” means “wishing you enlarge your wealth.” “Gong Xi” means wishing/blessing . “Fa” means to enlarge, and”Chai” ( or Choi ) means wealth.
Gong Xi Fa Chai is also used as a greeting for:
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR
Ang Pow red envelopes are traditionally given by adults to children at Chinese New Year, which is also a time for happy family re-unions and much feasting and merriment.
Ang Pow, also known as “red packets”,” “laisee”, “lai see”, “hung bao” or “hong-bao” are considered extremely auspicious to receive as a gift and even more auspicious if they contain money.
The Chinese New Year begins each year on the second new moon after the winter solstice ( which is on 22 December in the Northern Hemisphere). The Chinese use a lunar calendar as opposed to our own Gregorian calendar. The Chinese New Year is also called the Lunar New Year.
In 2022 Chinese New Year begins today, 1st February. The new moon in Aquarius is also happening today, on 1st February. This New Moon is giving us the chance for a fresh start, both personally and in the collective sense.
Furthermore today Imbolc starts. Imbolc or Imbolg, also called Saint Brigid’s Day, is a Gaelic traditional festival. It marks the beginning of spring in the Northern hemisphere. For Christians it is the feast day of Saint Brigid. It is held on 1 February, which is about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Imbolc is a time of magical energy related to the feminine aspect of the goddess and to new beginnings.
The “Chinese New Year” website states a Tiger Year is about freedom and independence. Jim Carrey and Leonardo di Caprio were both born in a Year of the Tiger!
People born in years of the Tiger are vigorous and ambitious, daring and courageous, enthusiastic and generous, self-confident with a sense of justice and a commitment to help others for the greater good.
Let’s hope that 2022 ushers in a collective perspective of seeing everything as related. That is, human beings are part of the Earth, not separate, but dependent upon Earth’s resources. We have to all truly care about each other and look after nature, to provide for ourselves.
2022 is a year of the Water Tiger. It starts from February 1st, 2022, and ends on January 21st, 2023. A Water Tiger year occurs every 60 years. The “China Highlights” website states that this Year of the Water Tiger indicates a prosperous year due to the Tiger’s auspicious signs (bravery, resourcefulness and strength).
February 1st, 2022 is a day to look for and embrace potential for a liveable world where all beings are happy and healthy. You may like to say the mantra “Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise” before you go to sleep and/or when you wake up. Today is the day to think good thoughts and to see the positive and possibilities. And then, every other day, look toward your “neighbour.” Ask what she/he needs and help them. We’re all in this together. Tigers look after their own, and everything that is on Earth is our own.
Happy Year of the Tiger.
Fascinating Animals 