![]() Squares of red paper with white characters like 福 ( fú, good fortune) are pasted up diagonally. Walk around older neighborhoods in any Chinese city (or in the countryside) and see peoples’ windows, walls, and doors adorned. Go into any department store from December through February, or stop at one of the many street stalls selling socks and underwear, and you’ll see pair after pair of red. That’s where red underwear becomes useful. So, maybe red’s not your favorite color, or maybe you want to be protected closely, every single day. Plus, in addition to being scared of loud noise, monster Nian is fearful of red. If it’s your Zodiac year you should wear more red than others, to buffer yourself from misfortune. Jumpsuits, sweaters, trousers, scarves, socks, hats, anything is game. It’s considered a lucky color, and people will wear it in celebration, and to usher in an auspicious new year and to keep away bad vibes. ![]() ![]() In traditional and contemporary Chinese culture, red represents prosperity and happiness. You’ll need to watch out for and ward off bad luck. You would think that your Zodiac year ( benming nian, 本命年) would be lucky, but it’s the opposite. Your sign is determined by birth year-using the lunar calendar-so if you were born between, say, Februand February 5, 1989, you’re a dragon. Certain signs are said to match well with others: Dog (sincere, loyal, independent) and Rabbit (sensitive, modest, warm) are believed to be a good pairing. Couples will aim to have babies in dragon years. Some signs, like the dragon, are coveted, because dragons are considered to be authoritative, strong, and successful. There are twelve Chinese Zodiac signs, and these are taken far more seriously than a back-of-tabloid horoscope. A New York fireworks company makes some special arrangements for the celebration. But the Chinese New Year is a time for fireworks, too. ![]()
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