Clean your homes, decorate with red, prepare your lanterns and celebrate!
February 19, 2015 welcomes the Chinese New Year. The first day of each lunar month is marked by the darkest day of the moon’s cycle and moves toward the middle of the month with increased brightness. In China, the first month of each year begins with 15 days of celebrations that culminate with a lantern festival on the month’s brightest moonlit evening. Throughout the two week celebration, families prepare their homes, share elaborate feasts, and give gifts to promote good fortune in the coming year.
Each Chinese New Year is also assigned an animal identity. Ancient legends proclaim that Buddha requested the company of all animals to join him in welcoming the New Year. The twelve animals who joined him are those which now give each year its astrological identity. Today welcomes the Year of the Sheep! It is believed that those born this year will be artistic, charming, sensitive and sweet. Likewise, we will all enjoy a year of stability, problem-solving and community togetherness.
The Tri-State region, with its close-knit communities, is the perfect place to relax in the coming year. Join us in toasting the Year of the Sheep as we embrace the tranquility of the Litchfield Hills, the creativity of the Berkshires and the Hudson Valley charm.
