As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, please read a message from your ASPA leadership team. February 12th, 2021 marks the start of the Year of the Ox. While we won’t have our usual kickoff meeting, we are planning several events (no matter what the year may hold) in addition to our new monthly newsletter!
Welcome to the Lunar New Year!
What:
February 12th, 2021 marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendars in many east Asian countries. The lunisolar calendar, as the name suggests, is based on the moon phases as well as
the solar year (which is the basis for our modern calendar). Because of this, the start of the Lunar New Year will vary, but will always fall between January 21 February 20.
Who:
Though the name may vary, many east Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year in one form or another. Among them is China, Mongolia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Tibet, and Vietnam.
Like other New Year celebrations, it is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future.
Year of the Ox:
2021 is the year of the Ox. The second animal in the Chinese zodiac, the Ox was very nearly the first! As the legend goes, the Jade Emperor held a great race where the first 12 finishers would be chosen as the royal guard (from which the 12 animals of the zodiac are derived). The Rat was in the lead until it came to a river it was unable to cross. The cunning Rat jumped onto the back of the Ox and was ferried across the river. Once across, the Rat jumped off and rushed to the Emperor beating out the Ox.
Despite the legend, the Year of the Ox promises to reward hard work and be a much calmer year. While the now past Year of the Rat traditionally foretells a turbulent year (a bit of an understatement), the Year of the Ox traditionally ushers in a tranquil year of prosperity and stability which is something we could all use!
And so, APSA invites you to look forward with optimism to the Year of the Ox…
Happy Lunar New Year!
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