Our PBS stations here, in central FL, are showing really good, in-depth programs about the Chinese Lunar New Year. Obviously, the cultural differences are stark, but interesting and fascinating nonetheless (throw in the mix my Russian background and you will know how all of this is fascinating to me). Is the Lunar Year of the Goat similar to the Capricorn's Zodiac sign's narrative? Sorry if the question sounds irrelevant and silly. I am just curious. What does the Year of the Goat really mean?
Like @qwikad.com, I find this really interesting. I recall recently reading that Chinese couples try to defer having children born during the Year of the Goat?
I have two points to make: (1) "Lunar New Year" is an oxymoron. While it may be true that the Chinese calendar is based on the moon, when it occurs is determined by the winter solstice (a solar event). Chinese New Year has fallen on the second new moon following the winter solstice since the Han Dynasty. (2) It is not the "year of the goat". It is the year of the sheep! For an explanation, you can check out my blog post about our local new year celebrations: http://dennishodgson.blogspot.com/2015/02/sheep-thrills.html By the way, the traditional salutation at this time of year (in Cantonese) is kung hei fat choi.