Kung Hei Fat Choy!

The Western calendar date of February 14th 2010 marked the Chinese New Year 4708: The year of the Metal Tiger.  The Tiger represents the third year in the 12 year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac – preceded by the Ox and followed by the Rabbit – and has many auspicious things in store for people born under all signs of the Chinese zodiac. This year is also represented by the Metal element, which can be ascribed to gold or money, a sign that the year may be important in generating wealth and fortune.

In the spirit of Valentine’s day (a simultaneous celebration), Jason and I spent the day together enjoying different aspects of the city and our day began at the famous Canal Street - the heart of New York’s own Chinatown. There is no doubt of the importance of this holiday as the streets were packed with people. Vendors selling fresh oranges, New Years dragons and noisemakers; bakeries stocked with traditional Mooncake pastries; and music off in the distance ensured that festivities and performances were all around.

Symbolism of The Tiger

The tiger is one of the most dynamic signs of the Chinese zodiac, known for their dependability, unpredictability, fearlessness, and immense capaicty for love and tenderness. While Tiger’s in general keep to themselves, they are also known to quickly make bold changes and take big risks that one might not have seen coming.  The stripes of a tiger symbolize the balanced forces of yin and yang, an important notable fact. Although the year of the Tiger holds a year of great importance to all signs, it is said that those born under the year of the Tiger (and compatible signs) will enjoy particular good fortune this year: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010.

The Year of the Tiger

Traditionally, the year of the tiger is associated with massive changes and social upheaval. Therefore, it is likely that the year of the Tiger will be volatile both on the world scene and on a personal level. But, this is not meant to be alarming. With extreme change comes an enormous opportunity for growth and transformation. The results may yield a circumstance that was once thought unimaginable or even impossible. Those born under the year of the Tiger, Dragon and Horse will find the erratic circumstances ahead particularly inspiring and successful. For the rest of us, it is time to exercise our “flexibility muscles”, to stay nimble and open through the strong wind of change. In Chinese Medicine, we can look to the properties of bamboo for help: during strong winds or torrential storms, bamboo bends through it all – rarely breaking and never standing solidly erect against the natural forces. Yet, within its pliable nature, it continues to grow forward – reaching to the sky and fulfilling its destiny. Bamboo dances in the face of change, and so can we.

May the year of the Tiger, and 2010, bring you health, happiness, luck, and the resources needed to make all your dreams come true.