Asian Culture

The lunar new year of the Rat began on January 25, 2020 and will last until February 11, 2021, at which time it will transform into a year of the Ox.  In the Hsia Calendar (or Farmer’s Calendar), 2020 is … Read More

As we try to do most years, we are happy to pass on a compilation of thoughts and predictions for the coming lunar new year.  It was particularly fun this year, perhaps because the dog is an animal that is … Read More

As we do most years at the Jade Institute, we like to put together a fun synopsis of the year ahead according to the Chinese calendar. What it really boils down to is looking at the positive qualities and tendencies … Read More

According to the lunar-solar calendar, February 4, 2013 begins the black water snake year, though New Years Day is celebrated this year on Sunday, February 10th, the new moon day of the first lunar month.  It is the year 4710 … Read More

The Year of the Rabbit brings a welcome reprieve from the previous ferocious and dramatic year of the metal tiger, which embodied that animal’s tendency to upheaval and turmoil.  In some traditions, such as in Vietnam, the animal of 2011 … Read More

There are many traditions associated with Chinese New Year, one of which is to greet friends and family with loud, boisterous sayings and phrases, called ji xiang hua 吉祥话. These are usually good wishes for the New Year, happy sayings … Read More

 Happy Lunar New Year!

After two Fire years, life may seem calmer during this Earth year of the Rat.
But that could be deceptive…

The Rat is the first of the 12 animal signs of the Chinese zodiac. As such, … Read More