Now its the Bull's turn

The world had just celebrated the coming of the New Year, the year 2009 last January 1! But last night it was the night of the coming of The Year of the Ox for the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Today is the first day of that Chinese calendar and Taiwanese celebrate it with their families in the provinces. The four day celebration on the Chinese New Year starts from January 25 and ends at January 28. Obviously most companies have no work. Like in my company, we have a 2 day shutdown fro the 25th and 26th and resume on the 27th and 28th here in Taiwan. On this Chinese New year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar.

Though I don't see any Lion dancing here Taiwan during this time of celebration, like most Chinese communities in some other parts of the world do like the Philippines especially China itself, this Chinese New Year brings hope. Many believe that a little help from the animal's hard-working spirit may be just what's needed in the months ahead. According to Chinese belief, the Ox is a symbol of wealth and success through hard work and resilience, a welcome sign especially that we are experiencing economic difficulties.