All of us here at Impressions LOVE dogs and when we heard that this year is the Year of the Dog, we decided to do a bit of research to find out what that meant!
According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, The Year of the Dog started February 16 of 2018 and ends February 4 of 2019. The Dog is the 11th in a 12 year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac signs. All 12 are animals, and are all creatures of nature with significance in the Chinese culture except for the mythical Dragon. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor in ancient China said the order of these animals would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The calendar does not follow the calendar we are all familiar with since it follows the moon. For more info we found this link very informative.
The lunar New Year is the most important holiday for many Asian cultures. The holiday is famous for its elaborate parades, markets and music. Traditionally a celebratory dinner is loaded with lucky foods such as fish, kumquats and rice cakes. Red envelopes with money are given to kids and red paper decorated with good luck charms are displayed to wish all well. Just like our New Year’s celebrations, most welcome in the New Year at midnight and try to stay awake to welcome the dawn of a New Year!
A Dog’s most defining characteristic is their loyalty and sincerity. Honest and kind, Dogs are the truest friends and most reliable partner. They are good natured and quick to help and advise a friend in need. Despite how they act, they are worried and anxious inside. However, they will not let this stop them. Once they decide on something, no one can persuade them against it.
Dog’s lucky numbers are 3, 4 and 9. Lucky colors are green, purple and red but they should avoid blue, white and gold. Their lucky flowers are the rose and the cymbidium orchid. Their best season is autumn.
Famous Dogs include Winston Churchill, Jane Goodall, Elvis Presley, Madonna, Confucius, Benjamin Franklin and Michael Jackson to name a few! I, Mare, am one of the not so famous Dogs! Luckily we are compatible with Rabbits, Tigers and of course HORSES!
The US Postal Service released a First Class Forever stamp celebrating The Year of the Dog on January 11, 2018 in Honolulu Hawaii. We went to the Post Office to get some yesterday! We plan to use them all year to bring us and the recipients of our mail good health, great joy and much prosperity! Try your local post office or order them online at the link below.
