Chinese Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations in Hong Kong’s calendar. Following at the heel of the rooster, it’s now the Year of the Dog!

If you were born after the Lunar New Year in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, the Year of the Dog is your birth year!

The Twelve Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

There are twelve Chinese zodiac signs. In order, they are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

According to folklore, the order was determined when the Jade Emperor invited all the animals to celebrate his birthday on the ninth day of the first month and pledged to honour twelve animals as heavenly guards, according to order they arrived in.

The rat woke up very early, and ran fast to the celebrations. He was so clever that he climbed into the Ox’s ear to cross a river on the way. The rat stayed there until he saw the Jade Emperor, at which time he jumped out and secured first place ahead of the Ox. The tiger used its strength to come in next, followed by the agile rabbit, the dragon, the snake – which had hid in the horse’s hoof – the horse, and the sheep, monkey and rooster who arrived on a raft together. The dog was late after splashing about in the river, and the pig woke up late!

I love this story. What do you think about the myth?

Why does the Year of the Dog matter?

Each of the creatures of the zodiac are not just animals, they each represent different characteristics. For example, in 2018, the dog symbolises loyalty, honesty, intelligence, adaptability, cooperation, and communication.

Those born in the year of the dog are best partnered with those born in Tiger and Horse years.

In China, one of the most popular names for dogs is “旺財”, which means prosperous wealth in Chinese.

I wish everyone a prosperous Year of the Dog! Kung Hei Fat Choi!