the year of the snake

This year in Chinese culture will forever be known as the year of the snake. Until moving to Asia, my knowledge of these years and animals was all based upon the nice place mats they provide to you at the fine Chinese dining we have in small town America. Under each slightly misprinted and greenish picture was a list of the years. Each visit we would double check that our birth year hadn't changed. (You never know when someone will go messing with ancient chinese tradition)
I do remember them looking somewhat like this...

Now that I've been emerged in Chinese culture my horizons have broadened immensely.

Some of the few things I "knew" about the new year celebration are mostly true. Most people do clean their houses on/before the big day to start fresh and get rid of bad spirits.

They often eat fish for a large family meal in which everyone in the family congregates in a much to small room.

The colors red and cold are also extremely significant in the new year. Both meaning to bring luck.

As for all of the chinese symbols I've seen printed on banners and such around the city...I may never know what they mean but they sure look cool in the mean time!

We have a week off for the holiday. I'll be joining two friends in a road trip around Taiwan, with a planned stop at the largest lantern festival in Pingxi, Taiwan.

It sounds amazing and I can't wait to share when I return!

So, next time you head to a sticky boothed, pink carpeted, overly bright chinese meal in your town...Ask for chopsticks and think of me!