Chinese New Year

2007 – Celebrating the year of the Pig

In 2007 Chinese New Year is on 18th February, although the celebrations last much longer than just the one day. There are many activities happening around the UK to celebrate the New Year, and Western Union money transfer will be involved with key festivals in London, Manchester and Birmingham.

London is home to the largest community of Chinese in Europe. Celebrations centre around China Town in Soho, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square. On Sunday 18th there will be a Grand Parade through the streets.

The date of Chinese New Year depends on the new moon and falls either in January or February. In China this period is also known as the Spring Festival, as it marks the end of the winter and the beginning of a prosperous new year to come.

Each year is represented by one of 12 animals, based on a legend that Buddha asked the animals to meet him at the start of spring. The 12 animals are repeated in a cycle – it is believed that people born in each animal’s year share some of the animal’s personality traits.

2007 is the year of the boar (or pig). People born in boar years love good company and good clothes. Although they are quick to lose their temper, they calm down quickly and don’t hold a grudge. They get on best with rabbits and rams and worst with snakes. Their lucky numbers are 6 and 7 and their symbol is water.

Which animal are you?

Your animal personality

Rats – cheerful, charming, welcome everywhere
Oxen – hardworking and patient
Tiger – forceful personality, adventurous, confident
Rabbit – Home lovers, peaceable, sociable
Dragon – strong personality, love freedom, hate routine
Snake – sensitive, strong sense of responsibility
Horse – hardworking, admirable, ambitious
Ram – gentle, caring, achieve their goals by kindness
Monkey – charming, cheeky, clever
Rooster – faithful to family and friends
Dog – loyal, caring, fearless
Pig – peace loving, trusting, strong