Chinese New Year

Mark your calendars – The Chinese year 4706 begins on February 7, 2008. The traditional Chinese celebration is 15 days long. Although the recommended government holiday runs from February 6 to February 12, business is typically slow until the traditional holiday ends on February 21. In addition, many manufacturing facilities have longer holidays because of the movement of the traveling population, estimated to be about one billion people, as they return home for the holidays. Travelers to China should also be aware that just prior and just following the holidays, internal transportation ticket prices will be high and in short supply. It is easy for travelers to become stranded, especially when returning to larger cities unless they have purchased tickets in advance. It is a good idea to send New Year's greetings to Chinese customers and associates, but do not expect to conduct serious business during this time period.

The coming year will be the Year of the Rat according to the Chinese zodiac. In ancient times the Rat was considered a protector and bringer of material prosperity. It is an animal associated with wealth, charm, and order, yet also associated with aggression, pestilence, and death.

People born during a Year of the Rat are said to be leaders, pioneers and conquerors. Rat people are supposed to be endowed with charisma and great leadership skills. They are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve zodiac signs. Rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust. Previous Years of the Rat were:

January 24, 1936 - February 10, 1937
February 10, 1948 - January 28, 1949
January 28, 1960 - February 14, 1961
February 15, 1972 - February 2, 1973
February 2, 1984 - February 19, 1985
February 19, 1996 - February 6, 1997

-- Stanley Pfrang