IT may be the most romantic day of the year, but 14 February 2010 also marks the start of the Chinese New Year.
As the longest and most important festivity in the Lunar Calendar, this Sunday officially signifies the beginning of the Chinese New Year and the launch of the year of the Tiger.
With 12 different animals representing various personality types, each year a new animal takes the spotlight and is thought to influence the lives of people born in their year.
“The belief behind the animals in Chinese New Year is very similar to Horoscopes,” explains Will Yau, who owns the family run oriental take away, Kambles in Billericay. “We have 12 male animals that rotate each year, which can influence the sort of person you are in life.”
And with famous Tigers including Marilyn Monroe and Tom Cruise, infants born after the 14 February this year are predicted to have very brave and daring personalities and could even wind up in jobs such as actors, reporters and racing car drivers.
Considered a major holiday in China and all geographic neighbours, Will explains that celebrations can vary depending on individual customs.
“We have official holidays and people that aren’t married receive lucky money in a red envelope,” says Will Yau. “It really is the equivalent to traditional Christmas and New Year festivities.”
To celebrate the Chinese New Year The Enquirer has teamed up with Kambles in Billericay to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a meal for four from the Emperor’s Set Menu, four bottles of Tsing Tao and one bottle of Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay. For a chance to win this fantastic prize, answer the question below:
Sunday 14 February 2010 marks the beginning for the year of the?
a) Rabbit b) Tiger c) Buffalo
and send your full contact details to admin@theenquirer.co.uk by 3pm Friday.
Alternatively post your entry to the usual Enquirer address (P2).