Today is Chinese New Year’s Eve. Tomorrow will see the beginning of the year of the Ram (or Sheep). This will be my zodiac year.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, “it is said that in one’s year of birth, he / she will offend ‘Taisui’, a mysterious power or celestial body that could control people’s fortune. That is, he / she will meet either exultation or misery during that year. The best way to avoid miserable events is to wear red clothes, a waistband, or decorations such as a red bracelet and necklace as a talisman that must be purchased by others. If the person himself / herself buys them, the function of the talisman is greatly reduced.
From another point of view, there are just more and greater changes in the birth year than in other years, which are not always ominous. A change to one’s fate to ensure the predomination of good fortune requires both efforts and a firm belief.”
In celebration of this, here is my New Year Henna – to see me into a strong start – a galloping horse (the “secret friend” to the zodiac ram). Both of these designs are taken from Liz Wertz’ Beastly Fusion ebook:
While I’m here, allow me to wish you all:
恭喜发财，新年快乐，
羊年大吉，洋洋得意，
洋洋丽丽，身体健康！
Wishing everybody a great start to the Year of the Ram. May you all enjoy good health and joy 🙂