Which for those that don't know this means "Wishing for you to be prosperous in the coming year".

The Chinese new Year starts Monday the 8th.

While I know it's confusing for others, I am indeed a mix of 3 cultures.
With as many contradictions as this presents you should see how confusing this gets for me.
It also means I belong to none as well.

While many might know that it is the Year of the Monkey, they might not that it's the Year of the Fire Monkey.
I've not heard if it's male or female yet. That often gets debated like it was the year of the sheep.

However, this week is not a time for fighting or arguing. It is a time for celebrating with family and friends. For 1 week we say good bye to the last year and bring in a fresh new one.
It is a time for making wishes for prosperity, luck and good fortune. There are also many celebrations for warding off evil spirits.

Something many might not know as well is that you are suppose to clean your home the day before (The 7th this year) and during the week should only sweep your floors to one corner but not sweep it up until after the week.

Sadly my old aides lost or took many thing and it would seem that includes my red "Fu" (luck) lanterns I had. Color plays a big role here too.
I often get asked why I'm always in black... There are many reasons really...
White is purity and fulfillment but also death and mourning.
Red is joy or happiness.
Blue and Green got grouped together until recently and mean health, harmony and prosperity.
Yellow is the center of everything and signifies good luck.
Black is special though. It's a neutral color. The merging of yin and yang.

And to be honest, in addition to all that, I just like it.

Gong xi fa cai!

Shou_Lung