Photos by LITTLE WING LUNA
Text by MITCH MEÑEZ
Kung hei fat choi!
Chinatown was ablaze in red Friday as it welcomed the Year of the Wood Horse.
People wore red, children held red envelopes with money, lanterns that line the streets and shop fronts were all in red. Red symbolizes fire, which the Chinese believe drives away bad luck and evil spirits.
Dragon dancers were in the streets and were welcomed into business places to banish evil spirits and bring in good luck.
The Chinese calendar follows the lunar cycle and as such, starts with the darkest day. The culmination at the end of the month, when the moon is at its brightest, brings forth the celebration which welcomes good fortune and blessing.
Chinese astrologers see a lot of outbursts, conflicts, and clashes in this Year of the Wood Horse. The London-based “Independent” said some astrologers “see wood as providing fuel for the energetic horse sign.”
There’s a lot to watch out for in this year of the Wood Horse.
