My very basic British calendar says it's Chinese New Year today. Is that right? What should we expect from the year of the rat? Any experts care to fling loads of fascinating detail our way? Taomeow?

All of the Chinese professors at our (acupuncture) school were wishing everyone Happy New year yesterday.

It's on the 7th this year.

But due to timezones, that was "yesterday" in China and today in the West.

Happy Birthday to me...
I'm a rat!

Happy birthday, Laoshu! :-)

It's today where you are, Ian, as well as in China, but it was yesterday where I am, in CA, that's because the Chinese New Year is celebrated beginning on the first day of the first Lunar month of the Chinese year and the first Lunar day comes sooner to the West than to the East -- unlike the sun, the moon moves in the opposite direction. So this has to be phased in when determining what kind of a day we're having -- I usually check the solar-lunar calendar converter. Remember the San Niang (inauspicious days) thread of way back when? These days are the 3rd, 7th, 13th, 18th, 22nd and 27th days of every LUNAR month. I try to keep track. Everything has a tendency to get scheduled on these days, they act like some cosmic traps. And everything undertaken on these days goes not quite smoothly, or outright haywire. After collecting enough info from friends and family to convince me that it's not all in my head, I try to schedule nothing of any consequence for those dates if I can help it.

Haha!

Your life sounds complicated!

No, it gets complicated only if I fail to do this. If I don't, everything is a breeze. Just happens the way it should, problem free. I have never had my flight delayed, e.g., and I don't know anyone else who can say it. Have never been late to anything important because of traffic, and I don't know anyone else in Southern CA who can say it. And so on.

happy birthday
and
new year!
i was born in the year of the rat as well.
from everything i've read,
it should be a grand year for us!

Where have you read what you've read? How does it look for monkeys and snakes?

i've read several different sites. you can get really detailed forecasts at master rao's site, but here's some quickie forecasts for the year of the rat...

monkeys: The Year of the Rat should be an excellent year for the Monkey with a renewed enthusiasm and determination showing itself early on. Many fine opportunities will present themselves to the Monkey during 2008 and provided he spots them, it can turn into a highly successful and lucrative year. Any inspired ideas or thoughts should be noted as they could garner the Monkey highly prized recognition at work, with financial benefits. It will be very important for him to discuss any concerns or worries he might have throughout the year regarding any matter, as keeping them to himself could result in anxiousness and bad choices. Any opportunities for studying or gaining new skills should be seized. By following cherished hopes and dreams in the Year of the Rat, this could be one of the most memorable years ever, with great good fortune and advancement. August, November and December will provide memorable social opportunities.

snakes: The last couple of months of 2007 could have seen a real upswing in social activities for the Snake, leaving him feeling drained and just a little out of sorts. But all Snakes should take heart for the Year of the Rat will prove a very rewarding and creative year for them – providing they think things through and take note of all possible opportunities that come along. In 2008 the Snake should take extra care in financial matters. Although very prudent and careful with money normally, this year the Snake needs to be extra vigilant. Regarding their career, a degree of flexibility will need to be shown, if looking to advance their career or change direction. This will come to the notice of those in a position to help. Many happy times will happen at home this year for Snakes, with both family and friend providing much joy. July to November will be fantastic for socialising.