ACCORDING to the Chinese Zodiac Sign, year 2020 is the Year of the Metal Rat. Rat is known for being inquisitive, shrewd and resourceful. The rat is also the first in the rotation of the 12 zodiac signs, meaning that a rat year is a year of renewal.
Why is there “metal”? It is an element added to the 12 kinds of animals in the zodiac signs like rat, ox, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The five elements attached to the zodiac signs are wood, earth, water, fire and metal. So, this year is the metal rat. The metal symbolizes strong determination and resolve. Rats live in sewers and garbage sites and it is the kind of animal that is very resourceful in looking for food.
According to ChineseZodiac.org, the year of the metal rat looks to be a year that is filled with growth and accomplishments. I was born in 1963, Year of the Rabbit. That is why I am fond of wearing all white because most of the rabbits, if not all, are white. White symbolizes purity and sincerity. (Please don’t argue with me, I am the one writing this piece).
According to the TravelChinaGuide.com, since 2020 is the year of the metal rat, people under this sign may feel like they have dark clouds hovering over their heads. The year of the metal rat is filled with opportunities for success for everyone, so don’t let anxiety or negativity ruin it for you.
In the article of Kelly Bryant, Chinese New Year kicks off on Jan. 25 with a 15-day festival celebrating China’s most important holiday. It dates back centuries. The holiday originated with the Chinese lunar calendar, which is why you will often hear it also referred to as Lunar New Year. The calendar’s existence dates back to the 14th century BC during the Shang Dynasty. The Chinese New Year starts with the arrival of the new moon that occurs sometime between January and end of February.
Filipinos acquired some Chinese traditions in celebrating the New Year. And we still practice them generations through generations. Some people viewed and interpreted these practices and traditions as superstitious beliefs.
Here are some of the beliefs:
1) Don’t clean your house on New Year’s Day as in today. Why? Because sweeping and cleaning your house during the start of the year would “sweep” away the good fortune that came in during the New Year’s Eve;
2) Wear polka-dotted clothes for good luck on New Year’s Day. Why? Polka dots symbolize coins that, in turn, symbolize good fortune. Wearing garments with these patterns is said to bring money and good fortune to whoever wears it;
3) Keep money, especially coins, in pockets. Why? They believe that doing so will attract good fortune for the year. They also scatter coins in various parts of the house so the fortune and the money will spread all over;
4) There should always be sticky rice on every feast. Why? Doing this would maintain the “stickiness” or the unity of the family and so the good fortune will “stick” throughout the year. Mao diay nang makakita tag manag-uyab nga close kaayo moingon ta nga “Ah, pilit pa man sa tikoy” (Maybe thats’s why when we see lovers, we say, “Ah, stickier than tikoy);
5) Eat pancit for long life. Why? Serving and eating pancit or noodles would bring long life to the members of the family and this is the reason why pancit has always been a staple in every celebration. Pero duna koy amigo namatay gumikan kay mikaon og pansit. Natuk-an man, aw, patay.
Mao ni tradisyon sa mga Insek nga gisunod pud natong mga Pinoy. Motuo na lang ta para madali. Happy New Year to our avid readers.