THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Communities around the world are gearing up to celebrate the Chinese New Year on 8 February. The Chinese zodiac calendar, known as Sheng Xiao, is divided into 12 cycles. Each cycle lasts 12 months and is represented by an animal. This year, it is the Year of the Monkey.

Chinese culture is rich in customs, traditions and superstitions. 

Cleaning home before the start of the New Year: Ahead of the festive time, families clean their houses to get rid of any misfortune associated with the past year and make room for welcoming good luck.

Mandarin oranges: The practice of giving Mandarin oranges is also a symbol of good luck. They are exchanged in two's among friends and family, relating to the Chinese saying that "good things come in pairs".

No gifting clocks: Watches or time pieces are avoided because they symbolise time is running out or end of relationships.

Avoid using sharp objects: Using knives or scissors are avoided as they may cut off fortune.

No ghost stories: Children and adults are not allowed to tell ghost stories, as they relate to death and negative energy.

Don't wear black: Black clothing is avoided as it relates to death and mourning.

No washing hair: Chinese people believe that it is important not to wash their hair on the first day of the New Year as it may wash away one's luck.

Using fireworks: Lighting firecrackers is a major custom performed to scare off evil spirits and celebrate the coming of the New Year.

Wear something red: The colour red is considered to be the ultimate luck bringer at this time of year. Red envelopes with money are given to children and unmarried people.

Pay all your debts: Some believe that not paying off debts ahead of the New Year may result in ending the year the same way. Lending money is also discouraged as it may mean that the person will be lending money throughout.

Monkey is the ninth in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac. The Years of the Monkey include 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028... 

2016 is the Zodiac Year of Birth (Ben Ming Nian) for them. Their overall fortune might not be smooth in the whole year. As for career, there will have many challenges. Although they have practical goals, they may finally get nothing. They also need to be cautious about cooperation and investment. Don't trust other people easily. Besides, it is advised to keep a serious attitude towards conflicts in love life. Balanced lifestyle will improve their health conditions a lot. Meanwhile, they need to find suitable ways to release pressure.

The monkey is a clever animal. It is usually compared to a smart person. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), the dignified Chinese official title of marquis was pronounced 'Hou', the same as the pronunciation of ‘monkey’ in Chinese. The animal was thereby bestowed with an auspicious meaning. 



PERSONALITY
The general image of people in this zodiac sign is of always being smart, clever and intelligent, especially in their career and wealth. They are lively, flexible, quick-witted and versatile. In addition, their gentleness and honesty bring them an everlasting love life. Although they were born with enviable skills, they still have several shortcomings, such as an impetuous temper and a tendency to look down upon others.

Strengths
enthusiastic, self-assured, sociable, innovative

Weaknesses
jealous, suspicious, cunning, selfish, arrogant

LOVE

Perfect Matches: Ox, Rabbit
They seem like made for each other, having several similarities in personality and life. Both of them can tolerate everything of each other, as long as they have enough space and freedom. Their love lives are full of fun because they have a strong sense of curiosity to get to know each other. Usually, they share common attitudes and opinions about life.

Bad Matches: Tiger, Pig
Holding different values and views, they don’t have many common topics in daily life. It’s difficult for them to communicate with patience and respect. Quarrels and conflicts will bring lots of negative influences to their relationship 

FORTUNE IN 2016

2016 is the Zodiac Year of Birth (Ben Ming Nian) for them. Their overall fortune might not be smooth in the whole year. As for career, there will have many challenges. Although they have practical goals, they may finally get nothing. They also need to be cautious about cooperation and investment. Don't trust other people easily. Besides, it is advised to keep a serious attitude towards conflicts in love life. Balanced lifestyle will improve their health conditions a lot. Meanwhile, they need to find suitable ways to release pressure. 

Celebrities Born in the Year of the Monkey 
Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dickens, George Gordon Byron, Yao Ming, Celine Dion, Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Halle Berry, Christina Aguilera, Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor,Truman, Alice Walker, Michael Douglas, Owen Wilson, Daniel Craig, Mick Jagger, Julius Caesar, Bette Davis, Annie Oakley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Betsy Ross, Cuba Gooding Jr., Gisele Bundchen, Kim Cattrell, Nick Carter, Patricia Arquette, Alyson Stoner, Christina Ricci, Cole Sprouse, Demi Lovato, Dylan Sprouse, Miley Cyrus, Mitchell Musso, Nick Jonas, Selena Gomez, Empress Wu Zetian of China’s Tang Dynasty (618 - 907)