GETTING READY FOR THE DOG

Chinese New Year, though not a federal holiday, is becoming more and more popular in the United States. Chinese New Year takes place on a different date each year because it is based on the lunar calendar. The 2018 Chinese New Year officially begins on Feb 16.

Many individuals and communities, particularly Chinese communities, enthusiastically celebrate the rich cultural tradition with performances, parades and special events that can go on for weeks. Stores use Chinese New Year decorations. Some high-end brands offer Chinese-themed merchandise and showcase cultural presentations.

Some Chinese businesses may be closed on the day or amend their business hours to take part in the Chinese New Year festivities. There may be heavy traffic and some streets may be closed in towns or cities where Chinese New Year celebrations are held. 2018 will be the Year of the Dog. The Chinese zodiac moves in a 12-year cycle, and those born in 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018 are also known as “Dogs”.

According to Asian astrology, the year of your birth — and the animal representing it — determine a lot about your personality.

Those born under auspices of the dog are honest, friendly and trustworthy.

Famous people born in the Year of the Dog include Donald Trump, Prince William, Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

ZHU QUANSHENG / FOR CHINA DAILY Members of Shaolin Kungfu Academy perform martial arts at the Chinese New Year show on Jan 21 in Houston. Organized by the Chinese Civic Center and dubbed Houston’s CCTV New Year Gala, has become an annual program where local talent comes together to...

LU QIANG / FOR CHINA DAILY Young dancers get together after performing at a Chinese New Year Festival gala hosted by the Greater Washington Area Zhejiang Provincial Association and Zhejiang University Alumni Association, in Potomac, Maryland on Jan 20.

PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Consul General of China in Chicago Hong Lei speaks at a press conference for a series of citywide activities called Happy Chinese New Year, at the Chicago Culture Center on Jan 17.

CHANG JUN / CHINA DAILY A boy checks ornaments featuring Chinese New Year images at a Macy’s store in San Francisco on Jan 22. On display are some of the limited-edition designer brands produced for the Year of the Dog,