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Chinese New Year - The Year of the Rooster

Posted by Suzie Canale on Mon, Jan 23, 2017

Chinese New Year begins on Saturday, January 28th 2017 and guess what… It’s the year of the rooster!  That’s right- if you were born in the years 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 or 2017 than this is a blog you should pay close attention to and read.  


Before we go into the specifics about what this means for you, how about we start by talking about the history and traditions associated with the Chinese New Year.  Originally, the holiday started as a way of honoring past ancestors and deities but eventually adapted to include an opportunity to promote luck and wellness for families.  On the eve of the New Year, homes are thoroughly cleaned to ward off past dissenting auras and to welcome new and old friends, family and good spirits.  Doors are also wiped down as well as windows and decorations colored in red are added throughout all of the hinges and frames.   Once New Year’s Day arrives, it is customary to host a large meal consisting of traditional dishes to feast upon.  The gathering signifies “longevity”, “wealth” and general ‘good fortune” where many of the elders give money to younger generations in red paper envelopes.  The beauty of this occasion is the continual renewal of happiness and the hope that all ill- fortune can be swept away with the end of a year and new luck bestowed by a new one.

YEAR OF THE ROOSTER.jpg

So back to the “Rooster”… The rooster is the tenth sign in the Chinese zodiac or other wise known as the year of the “Cock” or “Chicken”.  Now there are a lot of great traits that roosters possess such as hardworking, social, amusing and active overall spirits.  With the good, there’s also the bad, which typically include being too outspoken, easily agitated and almost always overly confident.  With the culmination of these traits, many roosters are in fact talented and seek careers that often guide them to the stage such as acting or singing.  If they can stop bragging abut themselves constantly, they make pretty good friends as well since they are thought to be loyal and honest-sometimes too honest.  Proven lucky colors for this sign are gold, brown and red (feather colors) and favorable numbers include 5, 7 and 8.


Here’s what it get downs to in 2017 for “Roosters”…


I’m just going to put it to you short and sweet… it’s not looking to be the best year ahead for you.  The signs say that there will be a lot of ups and downs, wealth and woes when it comes to your personal and public life.  Right now, you want to play it v-e-r-y safe and make wise decisions that will be more protective of assets instead of aggressively acquiring more.  Forget that 10-1 stock tip your buddy just gave you and instead invest in clipping coupons.  There’s just too much risk when it comes to your financial affairs in 2017 so bunker down and wait for the storm to clear.  When it comes to your career, do yourself a favor and shut your trap.  Your mouth is going to be your worst enemy, so don’t give your boss an opinion if he/she doesn’t ask for it.  I’m afraid your love department is equally off kilter and if there’s been an inner nagging to dump the present lover, now’s the time to do it.  Things aren’t going to get any better anytime soon so onward and upward.


This may not sound like the best horoscope but hey-there’s always next year so hang in there!

Tags: Chinese New Year, Holidays, January, winter, New Years

Chinese New Year – The Year of the Monkey

Posted by Suzie Canale on Mon, Feb 01, 2016

The Chinese New Year begins on February 8th, the beginning of the Chinese calendar that is also referred to as the “Spring Festival”.  The date marks the start of the new lunar schedule as well as the reunion of family and friends to gather together at their homes the eve before.  The traditional meal served at this time is actually called Reunion Dinner, which kicks off the celebratory festival.  Typically red envelopes are given with cash as the whole house is decorated in similar colors to symbolize the hope of “wealth”, “happiness” and “good fortune”.  In order to encourage good luck to the family, a massive cleaning of the home takes place, ridding the space of dirt and other unhealthy essences.  Once the family is content that the abode is unblemished and cleansed thoroughly, it is the belief that luck will soon find its way through the doors.  

year_of_the_monkey.jpg

Every New Year is dedicated to a specific animal, known to hold particular characteristics and fortunes for anyone born within the particular twelve-month segment.   2016 has been deemed the “Year of the Monkey” including the years 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004.  If you have been born into this category, it’s a pretty safe bet that you are intelligent, curious, witty and a bit mischievous which can sometimes get you into a bit of trouble.  Your magnetic personality offsets this flaw because monkeys are often energetic, clever and creative although clumsiness is another trait most possess.  Due to your intellect, great jobs for you include banking and accounting but try to find a job closer to the city since it is also likely that you prefer urban living to the countryside.

 

Here’s what else you should look out for during the Chinese New Year of the Monkey!

 

Luck Days:  14th and 28th

 

Lucky Numbers:  9 and 4

 

Favorite Flowers:  Chrysanthemums, crape-myrtle

 

Best Colors:  Gold, White and Blue  

 

Best Advice:  Focus on your health this year and remember to take a vacation.  

 

Worst Advice:  Don’t take greedy risks or illegal advances where money is    concerned.  You’re going to get caught!

 

Best Love Match:  Rabbit/Ox

 

Worst Love Match:  Pig/Tiger



Tags: Chinese New Year, Traditions, Holidays, February

Exotic Flowers Celebrates Chinese New Year with Seven Star Street Bistro

Posted by Rick Canale on Mon, Jan 23, 2012

seven star roslindale resized 600The Chinese New Year is upon us. The Year of the Dragon has arrived. Chinese New Year is the most celebrated holiday in the Chinese calendar. Celebrations go one for two to three weeks. The new year is a time for family and friends to feast together.

The staff af Exotic Flowers celebrates Chinese New Year by splurging on our favorite Chinese restaurant, Seven Star Bistro in Roslindale. At Exotic Flowers, we work on our feet and eat at our desks. Delivering and selling flowers in the Boston area is hard work. We build up huge appetites and Seven Star hits the mark on delightful entrees. I especially like the pork with thai basil. 

seven star ribs resized 600

Seven Star Bistro features a legendary Hot n Sour soup that people travel from Cape Cod to buy and store in their freezer. The barbecued ribs are famous and I always order the chicken wings, forbidden black rice and hunan beef. 

All their food is made to order so you want to give them a solid twenty five minutes to get your food perfect. Just this past friday I called at 5pm and could not pick up until 545pm. But it my chicken and broccoli, beef fried rice, chicken wings and pork strips (unique to Seven Star) were well worth the wait. The owner Chris is your cook and wears many hats. Just knowing Chris alone will make you a loyal Seven Star client. 

chris at seven star resized 600

Seven Star Bistro is a regular part of our menu at Exotic Flowers. Let Chris and Michelle make your next meal a delight. They cater too.

Tags: Chinese New Year, Seven Star Street Bistro, Year of the Dragon

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Exotic Flowers in Boston

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jan 25, 2011

Boston OrchidsChinese New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. Known also as Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year celebrates traditions and customs. Some traditions include buying presents, clothing, decorating, feasting and cleaning. Families clean their homes in hopes to make way for good incoming luck. Red is prevalent. Wealth, prosperity, health and happiness are thematic. Parents often give their children money in a red envelope on New Years Day to help begin the year with luck.

Floral decorations, all available at Exotic Flowers in Boston, for the holiday could include orchid plants, bonsai trees, floral arrangements and lucky bamboo. According to Feng Shui principles, Lucky Bamboo is an excellent way to attract positive 'chi' energy. For centuries, Asian culture has considered it symbolic of luck and good fortune. Different stem collections are said to symbolize different elements of positive chi. Three stems attract happiness; five bring wealth; seven promote good health for all; and the tower of twenty one represents a very powerful blessing for all.

Boston flower decor

February 3rd, 2011 marks the year of the Rabbit. A rabbit year is often a quiet respite in response to the previous wild year of the tiger. Be sure to visit Chau Chow City in Boston or Golden Temple in Brookline. These venues offer a great porthole into Chinese culture and offer great food as well.

Cymbidium Orchid

Tags: Chinese New Year, Zen Flowers, Orchids

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