The Chinese New Year has officially begun and many claim that we are facing a time loaded with bad omens. What is behind this prediction? Chinese fortune tellers claim that during the Year of the Dog there will be numerous natural disasters, political conflicts, economic ones... However, with the New Year just begun, the Chinese have done everything in their power to keep the bad omens from spoiling their most important day of the year.
How do the Chinese experience the start of the New Year?
As happens in most countries of the world, the Chinese return home to celebrate the start of the New Year with their loved ones. During the previous night, families organize dinners with traditional dishes, exchange red envelopes with money and turn on the television to watch the broadcast of the great New Year gala.
It is also traditional to set off firecrackers and fireworks, although in cities such as Beijing or Shanghai they are prohibited, not only because they are dangerous but also because they are polluting.
What does the Year of the Dog mean for the Chinese?
The first day of the year in China is determined according to the lunar calendar, so each year falls on a different date. This time it takes place on February 16, the day the Year of the Dog officially begins.
The dog is the animal that follows the rooster, according to the Chinese horoscope (formed by 12 animals). The rooster is linked to arrogance, but also to intelligence, which is why they relate it to the economic growth experienced in China in 2017. On the contrary, they believe that the figure of the dog brings shadows since it is linked to the earth element (a combination that only takes place every 60 years). For this reason, experts believe that this year there could be clashes in international relations or natural disasters, such as avalanches or landslides. Six decades ago, the last time this combination of elements occurred, 3 catastrophic earthquakes took place, as well as numerous explosions and fires (for the Chinese, the dog is closely related to fire).
What are people born in the Year of the Dog like?
Although the Year of the Dog is related to bad omens, people born in the Year of the Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006) tend to be very pleasant. In this regard, they are associated with the loyalty, fidelity and sincerity of the dog. People most compatible with them are those born during the year of the rat, the tiger or the pig, and they would have more complicated relationships with goats and dragons.
The Chinese recommend those born in this year to take special care; in fact, many carry something red with them all year to protect themselves from bad luck. Among those born in the Year of the Dog are many celebrities such as: Donald Trump, Sylvester Stallone, Prince William of England, Elvis Presley, Claudia Schiffer or Naomi Campbell, among others.
How does the Chinese New Year affect foreign trade?
The Chinese New Year affects global foreign trade, especially companies that import products manufactured in the Asian country. As it is the most popular holiday in China, commercial activity is virtually paralyzed.
Government, factories and workers stop all their activities, as do ports and customs, which begin to operate with a minimum number of personnel. It is common that, between two and three weeks before the New Year, production companies give their employees holidays so they can spend these days with their family, thus beginning to reduce their usual production rate.
If this 'paralysis' were to affect your import process from the Asian country, do not hesitate to contact us; at MingTa Group we remain at your disposal for any setback that may arise.