2011 - Chinese Year of the Rabbit
abracad, · Categories: externally authoredAuthor: Dezan Shira
China celebrates the new Chinese Year of the Rabbit in February and, as normal, most offices and businesses will close for a period. This year, businesses will be closed from February 2 to February 8 inclusive, a total of seven days. However, Sunday January 30, and Saturday February 12 will be normal working days. Businessmen are advised that travel in China during this period is intense and many domestic and international flights to and from China and Hong Kong will be extremely busy in the immediate period leading both up to and after the vacations.
China typically sees a mass movement of hundreds of millions of people during this period as migrant workers and other individuals rush to get back to their families and hometown to celebrate the New Year Festival. It is the largest annual migration of humans in the world. Additionally, many businesses and offices will be closed during the entire period. It is difficult to make business appointments or hold meetings during this time.
This year ushers in the Year of the Rabbit. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit, which begins on February 3. The rabbit is the fourth sign of the zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs. China Briefing's resident Chinese astrologist advises that the rabbit is considered a lucky sign, albeit rabbits tend to be private individuals and can be somewhat introverted. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are reasonably friendly individuals who enjoy the company of a group of good friends. They are good teachers, counselors and communicators, but also need their own space. Recent Years of the Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939.
"Chinese tradition dictates that traditionally the rabbit brings a year in which individuals of all signs should catch their breath and calm their nerves. It is also a time for negotiation, however not to force issues, because if you do this failure will result. To gain the greatest benefits from this year, it is best to focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. It should be a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle in order to calmly deal with any problems that may arise," according to our astrologist.
"Not many people know that the rabbit is the symbol of the moon, while the peacock is the symbol of the sun, and that together, these two animal signs signify the start of day and night, and represent the Yin and Yang of life. It is said that anyone making wishes, especially those that involve giving to charity, are certain to get what they want… and in the Year of the Rabbit, the wish-granting aspect of the sun and the moon combined is multiplied. The moon is Yin and this is the Yin of heaven, signifying magic. Accordingly, on each of the full moon evenings of the year, it is wise to go out into your garden to gaze into the full moon and visualize the moons glow flowing into you, filling your being with bright white light and granting you fearlessness, love and courage. This will not only strengthen your inner ‘Chi' energy, it will also bring wisdom into your life," our astrologist said.
That is admittedly rather different from our usual advice on matters of law and tax, however, this is China. We wish all our readers a Happy New Year of the Rabbit.
About the Author
This article was written for China business news site, China-Briefing.com, which is published by Asia business news publisher, Asia Briefing Media. Asia Briefing Media also publishes India business news, at India-Briefing.com.
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