Happy Chinese New Years

In Chinese, the phrase for Happy New Years is Xin Nian Quai Le. Literally, this translates to "New Year quickly arrive". Chinese New Years is a wonderful time of the year, filled with many rich traditions and stories. It is a time of family, to go out and wish those you love prosperity and good luck for the coming year, or how we say in Chinese -- Gong Xi Fa Cha.

Chinese New Years is a perfect time to talk about animals and elements in Martial Arts.

When we talk about Chinese New Years each year, the most common question is, "What animal is it this year?" In 2005, the year is known as the Green Rooster. There are twelve animals in total in the Chinese Zodiac and five elements, typically referenced as their color or metal equivalents.

Animals play a critical role in many things in Chinese culture. There are a few that are predominate in Martial Arts. They translate into some characteristics you will see in the fighting styles. Some of the more widely used animals include, but are not limited to:
Dragon
Tiger
Crane
Monkey
Mantis
Snake

In addition, the elements are critical when you study the Internal arts. The five elements are each associated with different colors. Each also are believed to control a differnt part of the body and thus critical for understanding as you gain understanding of the body. The elements are:
wood
fire
earth
metal
water

Each of the animals and elements are addressed in separate articles that can be reached by clicking on the links above. For more articles on Chinese New Years, check out the listing on Chinese Culture. There are also new Postcards available to help celebrate the New Year.