22 January 2023

YEAR OF THE RABBIT (In the Chinese calendar it's 4721) A placid year, very much welcomed and needed after the ferocious year of the Tiger. We should go off to some quiet spot to lick our wounds and get some rest after all the battles of the previous year. Good taste and refinement will shine on everything and people will acknowledge that persuasion is better than force. A congenial time in which diplomacy, international relations and politics will be given a front seat again. We will act with discretion and make reasonable concessions without too much difficulty. A time to watch out that we do not become too indulgent. The influence of the Rabbit tends to spoil those who like too much comfort and thus impair their effectiveness and sense of duty. Law and order will be lax; rules and regulations will not be rigidly enforced. No one seems very inclined to bother with these unpleasant realities. They are busy enjoying themselves, entertaining others or simply taking it easy. We will all have a tendency to put off disagreeable tasks as long as possible. Money can be made without too much labour. Our life style will be languid and leisurely as we allow ourselves the luxuries we have always craved for. A temperate year with unhurried pace. For once, it may seem possible for us to be carefree and happy without too many annoyances. Theodora Lau

Popular Chinese New Year Greetings

1. New Year goodness! 新年好 / 新年好 ( Xīn nián hao ) In Mandarin: sshin-nyen haow In Cantonese: sen-nin haow 2. Happy New Year! 新年快乐 ( Xīn nián kuài lè ) In Mandarin: sshin-nyen kwai le In Cantonese: sen-nin fai lok 3. Happiness and prosperity! 恭喜发财 / 恭喜發財 ( Gōngxi fācái ) In Mandarin: gong-sshee faa-tseye In Cantonese: Kunghei fatchoy gong-hey faa-chwhy 4. A steady rise to high places! — "on the up and up" 步步高升 / 步步高陞 ( Bùbù gāoshēng ) In Mandarin: boo-boo gaoww-shnng In Cantonese: b oh-boh goh-sshin