Chinese Zodiac Signs

As I was reading today's newspaper, it asked a few questions and some holiday solutions to this coming Chinese New Year. Here are few questions:

"Do you know why people celebrate the Chinese New Year? What are some of the traditions surrounding the holiday? Can you name the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac? Do you even know what year this is in the lunar calendar? What are some of the poplar phrases and Chinese New Year salutations you'll hear?" (source: The China Post)

Well, in case you didn't know the twelve Chinese zodiac signs, here's the solution EXCLUSIVELY from Wan An Taipei .
(rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake)
(horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig)

I'm off home for the holidays! More reports coming!!

Wan An!

apple = peaceful

During the Chinese New Year, there are some phrases that you should say in order to bring good luck and fortune. "Gōng xĭ fā cái(恭喜發財)" is the ultimate phrase you should say. I say it to EVERYBODY including the taxi driver or even the cashier at the convenience store.

Now, another symbol we use for the CNY is the apple(蘋果/ㄆ一ㄥ2 ㄍㄨㄛ3/píng guŏ). Because 蘋(píng) is pronounced same as 平(píng), which means peaceful. Therefore, people decorate their homes with apples and eat them in hopes to bring a peaceful and pleasant new year.


蘋果(ㄆ一ㄥ2 ㄍㄨㄛ3/píng guŏ) : apple
平安(ㄆ一ㄥ2 ㄢ1/píng ān) : peaceful; safe and sound

Lastly, wish you 情人節快樂(qíng rén jié kuài lè) Happy Valentine's Day!
"願天下有情人终成眷屬 (yuàn tiān xià yŏu qíng rén zhōng chéng juàn shŭ)" - May all the lovers in the world become married couples.

Wan an!

Chinese New Year is Coming

In less than a week time comes the Chinese New Year!!

I can hardly wait! Lately I found that not just me, but most of my Taiwanese friends are not in the mood for work. We're all keen on the coming annual holiday. (of course, and the annual BONUS too.. but not me...sob!) Due to the extra month from last year, the CNY comes almost 1 month late compared to last year. It falls on 18 February this year but the holiday should begin by the 17th, 除夕(chu2 xi4, new year's eve), when families gather and have a big feast to greet the new year. (and lucky money put in red envelopes too!)

To celebrate this special occasion, I've made a little card for all of you.


恭喜(ㄍㄨㄥ1 ㄒㄧ3/gōng xĭ) : Congratulations!
發財(ㄈㄚ1 ㄘㄞ2/fā cái) : May you have prosperous fortune.
新年快樂(ㄒㄧㄣ1 ㄋㄧㄢ2 ㄍㄨㄞ4 ㄌㄜ4/xīn nián kuài lè) : (you should know this one)

Wan an!