Happy & ProsperousLunar New Year of Snake

Lunar New Year Special Section

Georgia Asian Times Lunar New Year of Snake

The Snake PersonalityPOLITICAL wizard, philosopher,

wily financier or theologian – the Snake person is the deepest thinker of the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the Year of the Snake are com-plex, unusually intense and very deep. Graceful and soft spoken, these people love good books, mu-sic, food and the theatre. They will gravitate toward all the finer things in life.

Being the enigma of the cycle, the Snake person can either be deeply religious or totally hedonistic. The Snake people are secretive by nature – they treasure their privacy and will have many secrets locked up within them.

They also have insatiable lust for money and power, and they usually lead dangerous lives full of intrigue and excitement. The snake has always been regarded as the super-natural creature by the Chinese.

In fact, many of the world’s most powerful heroes and most beauti-ful women were born in the Year of the Snake. Among the famous Snake people are Abraham Lin-coln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mao Zedong, Mahatma Gandhi, John F. Kennedy, Brook Shields, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Onassis.

The Male SnakeMost male Snakes are power-

ful. Their power combined with their intelligence and charm allow them to succeed in any field they dedicate themselves to. Attactive and irresistable, the Snake man is usually very influential on the people around him. Snake men do not communicate well with others and he relies only on his own judg-ment. He does not like to indulge in useless small talk or frivolities.

The lucky Snake man can be quite generous with money, but he is also well-known for being ruthless when he wants to attain an important objective. This merciless man will not hesitate to eliminate anyone who stands in his way. Be-ing one of the most tenacious signs, it is never safe for you to draw a line and predict that this is how far the Snake man will go. In relation

ships, the Snake man is romantic and passionate but also very pos-sessive.

The Female SnakeBorn in the beauty of the cycle,

the Snake lady is the femme fatale. She is not only beautiful, but her serene, cool and classic beauty will mesmerise those around her.

Sophisticated, confident and col-lected, the Snake woman loves lux-ury. She disdains costume jewellery and instead goes for real gems. Her taste and style are undeniable. As a shrewd thinker, she gives great advice and solu-tions and knows

just how to help you get out of sticky situations.

Born with a sixth sense, her mys-terious psychic feelings are usually right. Determined and thoughtful, the Snake woman takes failure per-sonally and will not forget how others mistreat her. Her love for money and power is overbearing.

No matter how powerful or rich her man is, she will be his biggest asset after they are married.

The Snake ChildThe Snake child is a complex

personality. Intelligent and alert, he has a quiet nature and is inclined to be particular. This hardworking child will be all too aware of his charms and likely to be the teach-er’s pet.

Being the worrying type, he will take a pensive outlook on life, usu-ally sulky, temperamental and vin-dictive when things do not go his way. Although he may be secretive and brooding by nature, he displays a strong sense of discipline. He is attentive and careful, and knows how to keep out of trouble.

He is also interested in solving problems life throws at him. Real-istic, unrelenting and persistent, he sticks to a task until he masters or completes it. This little Snake is destined for fame and fortune.

Lunar New Year of Snake Georgia Asian Times

Predictions for the Snake YearSnake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)An average year as the animal has self affliction which would cause mis-

fortune of many kind. However, one need not worry as the problems would resolve on their own but you will feel very emotional and people would be spreading malicious rumors about you, which will make you react sharply. Avoid impulsive reactions and keep cool with your tongue in check. Carry-ing a jade monkey or wearing amazonite will help tide over troubles.

Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)A year which will make you focus more on your health hence, follow a

good diet regime with attention paid to minor health issues. A good year for relationships with luck in romance, and a good time for celebrations too. Prudent planning will help you sail smoothly at work. Wearing tour-maline will help you maintain good health and balance the energies.

Goat (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)A good year with lots of travel and changes coming your way. Months

of May and November would see more travel possibilities. Still, conflicts may arise. On the health front, pay attention to the elderly in the family. Quarrels may disrupt domestic harmony and relationships, hence, wearing amethyst may help to tide over this situation.

Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)A year of harmony and stability. However, do not be complacent. Pay at-

tention to health and ensure you have ample sleep and rest. This would be a very busy year with career growth indicated along with increments. Rela-tionship luck is good and singles may find their ideal partner too. Wearing lapis beads will help in enhancing the luck.

Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)A smooth year so start proper planning and preparations to enjoy bene-

fits of a good year. You may tend to neglect your health due to many things happening around you, hence be cautious. Due to work and career success, you may ignore your relationship and partner, so take more time off to re-store the balance. Tourmaline or jasper will aid in balancing your inner chi.

Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)A very auspicious year with many good happenings and celebrations

expected. Focus on your dietary habits and maintain your exercise regime and do not be complacent where your health is concerned. Good wealth luck is indicated, along with harmonious relationship luck. Wearing citrine can boost your energies and give you strength to face and meet all the chal-lenges that you will face this year.

Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)A year where you will be spending more than you desire and one where

your patience will be put to the test. At the work front, many challenges will surface. However, you should not give up as success is achievable if you can reflect on your mistakes and make amends. Pay attention to health as you may feel drained due to work load. Displaying a pair of swans will boost relationship luck and wearing the tiger eye will help in wealth luck.

Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)A good year with many opportunities coming your way although you

have many obstacles to overcome in your path to success. Be cautious of investments and handle money with care and avoid entering business part-nerships. Pay attention to health and have adequate sleep and rest. Rose quartz beads can help you smoothen relationship luck.

Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)A year filled with good luck and there are plenty of beneficial star ener-

gies bringing in financial gains. However, be cautious of legal entangle-ments and conflicts. Calm yourself as you may feel frustrated and agitated often. Arguments may crop up in domestic relationships but maintain a calm approach. Wearing or carrying aquamarine will help.

Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)A year when you can succeed and have great financial gains. Time to act

swiftly and gain more success. However, be wary of dishonest people who may try to cheat you. Pay attention to health and circulatory system. A year of great romance luck where singles can find a partner. Wearing shades of orange, red and white gold will help and natural earthen beads can further strengthen the health.

Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)A year of changes and movement with a lot of travel can be expected. Pay

attention to health as you are prone to sickness, and delay in all that you pursue. Remain humble and think before you act. Placing natural crystals can stabilise the energies and displaying a pair of swans in bedroom can harmonise relationships.

Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)A bright year with lots of positivity. A year filled with celebrations and

romance would see an overall smooth year although you will have bouts of sick spells. Don’t think too much which will affect your health, and look for opportunities in every crisis you face. Wearing or carrying amber stones will help you to move ahead.

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NACA 5483 Redbark Way Dunwoody, GA 30338 Phone: 770.394.6542 Fax: 770.394.9911 E-mail: laniwong@comcast.net Web: www.naca-atlanta.org

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Who We Are A non-profit community organization dedicated to 1) promoting deeper understanding and closer cultural, educational, scientific and business relations between the U.S. and China, 2) providing leadership training, educational and scholarship funding, and engaging in humanitarian endeavors, and 3) encouraging Chinese-Americans to participate in the American political process while preserving the Chinese heritage. What We Do Bridging Cultures – Hosting various delegations between the U.S. and China, and taking on projects that promote business, economics, trade, culture, and education exchanges between China and Georgia. Building Leaders – Providing leadership opportunities and mentoring for college and high school students, and young professionals. Benefiting Communities – Co-hosting and supporting community activities, donating to other non-profit organizations to support their cause, and partnering with and providing scholarship funding to local community colleges and schools.

Bridging Cultures | Building Leaders | Benefiting Communities

NACA wishes everyone a Happy New Year in 2013, the Year of the Snake!

全美华人协会

恭祝各位朋友蛇年大吉!

Lunar New Year of Snake Georgia Asian Times

Customs & Traditions

Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year because celebra-tions begin on the first new moon of the northern hemisphere spring, is celebrated by cultures all over the world. Festivities last until the full moon rises 15 days later.

Your behavior on New Year’s Day will set the tone for the year to fol-low – so behave well and wear your best outfit on the first day of the New Year!

There are many different tradi-tions observed over the New Year period, here are some of our favor-ites:

• Clean your house before New Year to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year and to make room for good luck.

• Decorate your house with apricot and peach blossom, sym-bolic of new beginnings and sold during Vietnamese Tet.

• Settle all debts before New Year, and do not borrow or lend money over New Year.

• Share a New Year’s feast with family and friends and enjoy uncut noodles – a symbol of longevity

– and fish and chicken, symbols of prosperity.

• For good health and a long life eat oranges and tangerines and for happiness and wealth eat per-simmons.

• Do not cut your hair or use sharp knives or scissors on New Year’s Day as you may cut off good fortune.

• Wear red to scare away evil spirits and bad fortune.

• At midnight on New Year open all the doors and windows in your house to let go of the old year

• Give red envelopes to friends and family for good luck and pros-perity.

• And finally, when you meet people you should greet them with “Happy New Year” to bring good fortune and prosperity, here’s how:

• Kung Hei Fat Choy – Cantonese• Gong Xi Far Tsai – Mandarin• Sae Hae Bok Manee Badusaeyo

– Korean• Chúc Mong Năm Moi – Viet-

namese

3 Common Lunar New Year Traditions

1. Making Dumplings On the eve of the Chinese New

Year, family members spend time together making meat filled dump-lings called ‘jiao zi’ or filled steamed buns called ‘bao zi’. They will spend hours making these by hand, often having to remake them if mom says that they are imperfect! These foods will not be cooked or eaten until after midnight when the new year arrives. There will be far more dumplings than can realistically be eaten so that the family may always have enough to eat throughout the new year. Dumplings or steamed

bread won’t be the only food eaten though. Mom will cook up a huge feast of meats and vegetables for this special day. Maybe a sweet por-ridge or date filled steamed breads will also be made.

2. Family Gatherings It is a custom of the Chinese New

Year for couples and their children to return to the home of the hus-band (father) for the New Years fes-tivities. Only on the third day, for a short period, may they go to the wife’s (mother’s) parent’s home. It is because once married, women

are said to be “outsiders”. Legend has it that the deceased ancestors will return during the Chinese New Year and would be offended if any “outsiders” were present during such a special time. For those who are far from family, they will go to the husband’s family home.

3. Red Envelopes Bright red envelopes with golden

Chinese characters are given to children during the Chinese New Year as a gift. Parents, grandpar-ent, aunts, uncles and friends buy special envelopes and fill them with

money (often between 100 and 1000 yuan or $15-120+). Children do not have to send the custom-ary “thank you notes” that western children send out, but parents are expected to remember which person gave their child money and exactly how much so that next year, they can give back that amount. Children are allowed to spend some of the money as pocket money, buy-ing toys and snacks, but parents are usually pretty strict about putting most of the money in the bank to save for their future education.

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TAIPEI ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL OFFICE IN ATLANTAhttp://www.taiwanembassy.org/US/ATL

May The Lunar New YearBring All Happiness and SuccessTaiwan looks forward to this year with hope and confidence, committed to cooperating with our American and international allies to make the world a better place for us all.

Lunar New year of Snake Georgia Asian Times

Shopping is in high gear for the Lunar New Year of Snake

Colorful decorative items available for sale at Hong Kong Supermarket.

“Fu” - the ever popular Chinese charactor symbolizes wealth.

Tasty snacks and tidbits are on sale for the Lunar New Year.