Year of the Monkey Chinese New Year

The Chinese symbol for monkey

Each Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. 2016 is the year of the Monkey.

People born in the Year of the Monkey are characterised as quick-witted, curious, innovative and mischievous, but it is also believed to be one of the most unlucky years in the Chinese calendar. 

Dear Great Ones,

Ok straight up.  I am glad I believe in God's son Jesus Christ.  I find it much easier to have faith in a savior who loves me than put my trust in some zodiac calendar with a host of animals representing some human characteristics.  Yet, I like the holidays that the Chinese New Year provides, coming up soon, and the fact that families gather for dinner and encourage one another is a very good thing.  Celia and I had a chance to have a Chinese New Year's celebration with our Chinese friends at the Fuk Lam ministry and it was fun.  We also will celebrate with our staff friends at school.  So that is great.  But seriously... to take a monkey seriously is.... well... ahhh....... rather strange.

Stores and businesses are cashing in on Chinese New Years.

Some store displays are awesome, in their attempt to honor the year of the Monkey.

Monkey pictures are everywhere at the malls in Hong Kong.

Chinese New Years celebrates luck and this year:  Monkeys!

Some stores are loaded with Monkey stuff for decorations.

Mini Mandarin orange trees are a common decoration over Chinese New Years.

Stores try to sell anything and everything related to Chinese New Years.

Happy Chinese New Years!  Celia and I will be in Japan skiing.  Looking forward to that big time.

Have a great week.

Love adios and ping on!

Dirk