On the 7th February starts the year of the Rat, people born under this sign are hard working, passionate, practical.  Indeed the Chinese cycle commences with the sign of the Rat. People born under this sign do not tend to be the ‘followers' as they set the trend, placing many wheels in motion, with innovative ideas, the Rat is definitely the leader and the pioneer. They love to travel, not being tied to the tedium of everyday but they have put in the ‘miles' first, with a lot of thought and consideration being given to a project or scheme. It is their acute perception that enables them to sift through much minutae. Extroverted these are the ‘party animals' also making great parents thinking up and getting involved with adventurous, imaginative, fun games.

     The 7th Feb marks the start of a 15 day celebration as they prepare to welcome in the 'Gods of the heavens and earth' also known as the Spring Festival as the earth comes back to life.  The sacred dragon dance symbolizes positive power, goodness and fertility. On the last night is the very beautiful lantern festival. The food that is eaten has symbolic value, noodles for long life and oranges and tangerines symbolise abundant happiness. Trays of candied fruits are prepared for visitors and colourful blossoms decorate. All the home is swept clean and the doors flung open to let out the old year. The wearing of red, hold promise for a bright and sunny future. Wishes are written and are given on red paper in rhyming couplets 'May the star of happiness, wealth and longevity shine upon you'. Small red envelopes are given to children with the inclusion of one dollar bills for good fortune.

  There are many interpretations of ‘Congratulations and be Prosperous', I hope that this comes close    'KUNG HEI FAT CHOI'.