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2007 is known as "The Year Of The Pig", but it is often referred to as the year of this animal.

Boar. Some countries use the term 'boar', while others prefer the more common word 'pig'. Being called a 'pig' might be insulting to some people, but Oriental societies ascribe many positive qualities to this fascinating animal.

This California city which has one of the largest Chinese communities outside of China is host to a colorful Lunar New Year celebration.

San Francisco. While the other three cities listed have colorful parades, San Francisco's large Chinese population puts on a show that has become one of the major festivals in the United States.

Even though there is little connection between Western and Eastern astrology, both have this number of divisions in their respective cycles.

12. Just as there are twelve signs of the Zodiac, there are twelve animals represented in the Lunar New Year cycle.

In addition to the animal representing a particular year, there are five element signs indicating the 'type' of animal you represent. These elements are wood, fire, water, metal, and _________.

earth. Let's say you were born in 1998, celebrated as "The Year of the Tiger." But that particular year is an 'Earth' sign, making you an "Earth Tiger" and you are different from your wood, fire, water, and metal Tigers.

No one really knows how the 12 animals were chosen, but the most accepted fable has this religious leader issuing a call to all animals of the world to come before him and pay their respects.

Buddha. Apparently the elephants and the anacondas and even the giant pandas couldn't make the trip. In appreciation for their efforts, Buddha assigned each of the twelve animals to represent a Lunar New Year.

The Lunar New Year (often called the Chinese New Year) is celebrated on the same day every year, just like the West's January 1st.

f. It is called the Lunar New Year because the first Full Moon of the year often occurs during the last week of January or the first week of February.

The Rat has special importance in the Lunar New Year cycle. Why?

It was the smallest of the 12 animals who completed the journey and, therefore, is the first animal in the 12-year cycle. Buddha was amused at the cleverness of the Rat. When the journey took them into the mountains, the Rat could not get through the snow very easily and asked the Ox if he could ride on the back of the Ox until they reached Buddha's home. Once there, the Rat hopped off and presented himself as the first one to arrive.

I mentioned earlier that our images of animals such as the Pig are very different in the Lunar calendar. Which of these three qualities would you associate with a Pig person? (Hint: 3 are good, one not so good)

Honest, Popular, Hard working, Gullible. People born in the Year of the Pig are destined to be very honest in dealing with others, but some people will try to take advantage of their trust. They work well with others and will not rest until the job is done.

In 1985, a movie about criminal activities in the Chinese 'underworld' of New York City was made, starring Mickey Rourke and featuring a screenplay written by Oliver Stone.

The Year of the Dragon. Hollywood had trouble knowing what animal went with what year. 1985 was primarily the Year of the Ox, but the movie moguls probably thought that the 'Dragon' gave the story a little more 'ooomph.'

Hopefully I tickled your interest in learning more about this fascinating holiday. If so, how would you find information on the Lunar New Year?

All answers are correct...there is a wealth of information out there.... Just to show you how popular Lunar New Year is, go into eBay and search for LUNAR NEW YEAR or CHINESE NEW YEAR or YEAR OF THE PIG...you'll be amazed at the variety of items issued each year by many different countries, including the United States with its recent postage stamp recognition of each animal. Gong Hay Fat Choy!