Year of the Dog!

Our 2018 New Year's celebrations may seem like a long time ago now, but Chinese New Year starts today, with a 15-day-long celebration for those in China to mark the occasion. Here, at H&H HQ, we have even more reason to celebrate, as it's the Year of the Dog!

Legend foretells that the Jade Emperor wanted animals to be incorporated into the calendar, and that the dog was asked to be included for his wisdom. The choice of animals is of great significance: the ox, horse, goat, rooster, pig, and dog are six of the main domestic animals raised by the Chinese, whereas the rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, and monkey are all loved by the Chinese. The Zodiac cycles every twelve years, with the dog being the 11th animal. On top of this, each animal is associated with one of the five elements: gold/metal, wood, water, fire, and earth; these elements cycle every sixty years. 2018 sees the Year of the Earth Dog, meaning that those born this year or in 1958 will have characteristics such as being communicative, serious, and responsible in work.

Those born in the Year of the Dog will share a lot of personality traits with our four-legged friends. Attributes include: loyalty and honesty, amiable and kind, cautious and prudent, and due to their unwavering loyalty, they will do everything for the most important person in their life. Dogs are independent, sincere, and decisive, and they aren't afraid of difficulties in life. They enjoy harmonious relationships with those around them, much like Man's Best Friend!

Fancy joining in with the celebrations? A number of cities in the UK are hosting their own Chinese New Year festivities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Newcastle. From craft workshops to food markets, acrobatics to lion dancing, there is something for everyone to help ring in the Chinese New Year.

Whatever your plans may be for the Lunar New Year – and whatever Zodiac sign you may be – from all of us here at Hubble & Hattie, we wish you a happy and healthy Year of the Dog!