January 29 will begin the 15-day festival of Chinese New Year, celebrated by Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, Singapore, and Korea. We can say goodbye to the rooster and welcome the year of the dog, an animal known for its friendliness and loyalty––characteristics that will have an effect on the year to come. Chinese soothsayers “expect the coming year of the dog to be mainly positive and peaceful, but warn natural disasters could be in store,” according to VOAnews.com.

In addition to being represented by an animal from the 12-year Chinese zodiac, each Chinese year is also influenced by an element (also a feature of Chinese astrology). 2006 is fire. Meaning, according to the same soothsayers, “world leaders will be more likely to solve long-running conflicts.” It should also be good for the economy, especially industries like the stock market, energy, and oil. Plus related “wood” industries such as fashion, textiles, paper media and wood furniture will also benefit. We can also expect more “earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions,” Raymond Lo, a Hong Kong-based feng shui master, told VOAnews.com. But, he adds, it’s not all apocalyptic––there will also be a rise in everything spiritual: “…in entertainment you will see more ghost stories, more spiritual things, more religious things, issues comings (sic) up.”

To see how you personally may fare, find your sign here and consider this: goats, dogs, dragons, and oxen will find the year challenging, while tigers, horses, and rabbits will have an easier time.

On the first day of the new year (this coming Sunday), celebrants traditionally visit relatives and friends while eating vegetarian food, according to a story in Christian Science Monitor. Apparently, by day three, you shouldn’t argue––it could portend a year’s worth of bickering. And on the next day the kitchen god (he knows if you’ve been bad or good) returns to make sure you’ve cleaned your kitchen thoroughly and replaced your old calendar. To find Chinese New Year celebrations near you visit Citysearch.com or just get over to your local Chinatown and follow the action.

Photo by Farl