Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Sheep

In Chinese culture, each year is attributed to one of 12 animals: The Rat (鼠), Ox (牛), Tiger (虎), Rabbit (兔), Dragon (龍), Snake (蛇), Horse (馬), Sheep (羊), Monkey (猴), Rooster (雞), Dog (狗), Pig (豬). It is believed that each animal bestows certain personality traits to those born in their year. This is a horoscope for the Year of the Sheep.

Sheep horoscope for the coming year:

The Sheep is the docile and kind creature of the zodiac. Artistic, harmonious and compassionate, they have a lot to give and their often quiet nature make them wise and good thinkers. Sheep are wanderers by nature, they are happy to venture off to see the world, meet new people and take in the view. They are happy with the simple life, which means they should take care not to become lazy and complacent. Sometimes, Sheep can come across as being shy or introspective, and this in turn can mean they hesitate and miss opportunities presented to them.

In your own year of birth, it is said that you are more likely to offend the gods, which means you take extra care to avoid misfortune. It is often believed that in your own year, you should handle knives and other sharp items careful to avoid any unexpected injuries, and to pay closer attention to your health.

A Sheep year is peaceful and a time for healing and making amends. Take this opportunity to forgive and reconcile with family and enemies. Common sense and calm, methodical thinking will reign, which means those expecting to get their way by brute force will find themselves disappointed. Zodiac signs, like the forceful Tiger will find this year a struggle.

Chinese New Year Customs

Here are a few things that you can do to celebrate Chinese New Year:

• Hang up lucky papercuts and couplets in the home and business to encourage good luck.
• Eat a reunion dinner with family and friends on New Year’s Eve to finish the year together.
• Get all your cleaning done before New Year to sweep out bad luck and welcome good luck.
• Eat lucky-sounding foods like fish and prawns for a year of joy and happiness.
• Wear red clothing to scare away the evil spirits.

Want to learn more about the traditions and folklore surrounding Chinese New Year?

• Festival Food – Chinese New Year
• Find out more about the Legend of the Chinese Zodiac!