The Chinese New Year has officially begun and there are many who say that we are facing a time full of bad omens, what is the reason for this forecast? Chinese clairvoyants say that the Year of the Dog will be marked by numerous natural disasters, political and economic conflicts… However, as the New Year has just begun, the Chinese have done their utmost to ensure that bad omens do not spoil their most important day of the year.
How do the Chinese experience the beginning of the New Year?
As is the case in most countries around the world, Chinese people return home to celebrate the New Year with their loved ones. During the night before, families organize dinners with typical dishes, exchange red envelopes with money and turn on the TV to watch the broadcast of the big New Year’s Eve gala.
It is also traditional to launch firecrackers and fireworks, although in cities like Beijing or Shanghai they are prohibited, not only because they are dangerous, but also polluting.
What does the Year of the Dog mean to the Chinese?
The first day of the year in China is determined by the lunar calendar, so each year falls on a different date. This time it takes place on February 16, the official start of the Year of the Dog.
The dog is the animal that follows the rooster, according to the Chinese horoscope (made up of 12 animals). The rooster is linked to arrogance, although 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 as 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, there were 3 catastrophic earthquakes, numerous explosions and fires (for the Chinese, the dog is closely related to fire).
What are people born during the year of the dog like?
Although the Year of the Dog is associated with bad omens, people born in the Year of the Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006) tend to be very pleasant. In this aspect, people are related to the dog’s loyalty, fidelity and sincerity. The people most attuned to them are those born during the year of the rat, tiger or pig, and would have more complicated relationships with goats and dragons.
The Chinese advise those born in this year to be especially careful, in fact, many carry something red with them throughout the 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, 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 has an impact on foreign trade worldwide, especially for companies that import products manufactured in the Asian country. As this is the most popular holiday in China, commercial activity is practically paralyzed.
Government, factories and workers stop all their activities, as well as ports and customs, which begin to operate with a minimum number of personnel. Two to three weeks before the New Year, it is common for production companies to give their employees a vacation so that they can spend these days with their families, thus beginning to reduce their usual production pace.
If this ‘paralyzation’ affects your import process from the Asian country, do not hesitate to contact us, at MingTa Group we are at your disposal for any inconvenience that may arise.
