2015—Year of the Sheep, aka Year of the Goat or Ram (February 19, 2015—February 7, 2016) )
Happy New Year –Chinese Style! Although the Chinese New Year doesn’t officially begin until February 19, many people start thinking of the animal sign on the first of the New Year. [And much of Asia, including Japan, does not wait until Feb 19. Many now celebrate during the first two weeks of January.]
According to Chinese Buddhism, before the Buddha entered Nirvana only twelve animals came to pay homage. So, the Buddha honored them by naming a twelve-year cycle (=zodiac) after them. The sheep, the eighth animal in line to honor the Buddha, is recognized as a lucky animal with an artistic...