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Lifestyle: Monkey See, Monkey Do
Monkeys are skillful at making decisions, but tend to look down on others Words Sondang Grace SiraitAs China prepares for a baby boom in the Year of the Monkey, the rest of us are setting our hopes high for âgreat unexpected fortuneâ and âprosperous careersâ; although as Chinese astrology experts warn, thereâs also a good chance of running into health risks and colorless relationships
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Monkeys are skillful at making decisions, but tend to look down on others
Words Sondang Grace Sirait
As China prepares for a baby boom in the Year of the Monkey, the rest of us are setting our hopes high for 'great unexpected fortune' and 'prosperous careers'; although as Chinese astrology experts warn, there's also a good chance of running into health risks and colorless relationships.
The Year of the Monkey begins on Feb. 8 and lasts until Jan. 27, 2017. It represents one of the twelve zodiacs in Chinese horoscope, which is accordingly based on a twelve-year cycle based on the lunar calendar. Each year in that cycle is related to an animal sign, which the Chinese believe represents the character of a person.
If, like Julius Caesar, Leonardo da Vinci, Harry S. Truman, and Elizabeth Taylor, you were born under the monkey Chinese zodiac, you're in the ranks of erratic geniuses of the cycle. Chinese astrology believes monkeys are clever, with a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories.
In general, monkeys are skillful at making decisions, but tend to look down on others. The fire element suggests great vitality and a tendency to dominate. Fire monkeys have a powerful competitive drive to be at the top of their chosen fields even at the expense of others. They're also capable of extreme jealousy. Because of the aggressive nature of the zodiac sign, Chinese fortunetellers have warned that the year ahead may not be a good one for Monkeys.
Well, whatever fate holds for Monkeys and the other signs, rest assured that the Chinese New Year will still stand as a day of major celebration and holiday for millions, if not billions, of families out there.
In China, where offices will be closed for as long as seven days, from New Year's Eve until the sixth day in the New Year, the event is incomparable and irreplaceable.
From the far ends of the country, the Chinese travel home to make it in time for New Year's Eve dinner, known as Reunion Dinner. The idea is similar to that of mudik lebaran (homecoming on Idul Fitri) for Indonesian Muslims.
Here in Indonesia, where the day has been marked a national holiday since 2003, ethnic Chinese will gather with their loved ones in ushering in the new year. It is, after all, the most important event of the whole year, where one is obliged to show respect for elders and to reunite with family members.
But anywhere around the world, New Year is the time for the Chinese to take some time off to recharge and soak in new energy. A good start to the year, they believe, will lead to a lucky year. A decent wish, one could say. Gong xi fa cai!
