Which [Chinese] new year is it?

  • Thread starter jtbell
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In summary, there is confusion over whether the Chinese Lunar New Year should be referred to as the Year of the Sheep or the Year of the Goat. This is due to the Mandarin Chinese word "yang" which can refer to both sheep and goats. Different cultures have different interpretations, with Japan and Vietnam referring to it as the Year of the Sheep and Goat respectively, while China has a divide between northern and southern regions.

Is next year the year of the...

  • Sheep?

    Votes: 1 25.0%
  • Goat?

    Votes: 2 50.0%
  • Ram?

    Votes: 1 25.0%
  • Something else?

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    4
  • #1
jtbell
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  • #3
Greg Bernhardt said:
I am immediately hiring the goat as head of security for PF! :D
I guess you don't speak goat. If you realized what he said there, jtbell would have an infraction for posting it.
 
  • #4
I think that goat has posted here before...
 
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  • #5
According to the Chinese, this the year of the yang, a word which in the Mandarin Chinese language can refer to both sheep and goats, with shanyang referring specifically to goats and mianyang referring specifically to sheep. So whether the year is called the Year of the Sheep or Year of the Goat depends on culture.

In Japan, the year is referred as "hitsujidoshi" or "Year of the Sheep", unambiguously (same in Korea and Mongolia), whereas in Vietnam, the year is referred unambiguously as "Year of the Goat". In China, people in southern China refer to it as "Year of the Goat", whereas people in northern China refer to it as "Year of the Sheep". Which makes sense, since there are more goats in southern China than sheep, and vice versa for northern China.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goat_(zodiac)
 
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  • #6
Evo said:
I think that goat has posted here before...

Sure it was the same goat? Lots of old goats around.
 
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1. What is the significance of the Chinese New Year?

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar and is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and wishing for good luck and prosperity.

2. How is the Chinese New Year determined?

The Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which is determined by the cycles of the moon. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which usually occurs between late January and mid-February.

3. How long does the Chinese New Year last?

The Chinese New Year celebration typically lasts for 15 days, from the first day of the lunar calendar to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day. However, festivities may continue for up to a month in some regions.

4. What animal represents the Chinese New Year?

Each Chinese New Year is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. 2021 is the Year of the Ox, which symbolizes hard work, diligence, and determination.

5. How is the Chinese New Year celebrated?

There are many traditional customs and activities associated with the Chinese New Year, such as setting off firecrackers, giving red envelopes filled with money, and eating special foods like dumplings and fish for good luck. Family gatherings and temple fairs are also common during this time.

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