Goodbye trickster monkey, hello resourceful rooster!
Many Central Albertans will be happy to bid good riddance to 2016, the Year of the Monkey, which is known for surprises.
The new Year of the Fire Rooster, which officially arrives on Saturday, Jan. 28, is predicted by astrologers to be a powerful span with no middle ground — a year in which “sticking to practical, well-proven paths” instead of risky ventures, is said to ensure success.
The rooster is the 10th sign in the Chinese zodiac. In a rooster year, everyone is supposed to reap big rewards by tapping into the rooster traits of loyalty, commitment, hard work, family values and making top-notch impressions.
In Red Deer, an all-ages celebration will be held this Friday night for the up-coming Chinese New Year of the Rooster at Hunting Hills High School.
Dramatic Chinese lion and dragon dances will be performed. There will be traditional singing, drumming, drama and music. Chinese paintings and other arts and crafts will also be displayed in booths.
“It will be a vibrant, colorful and joyful night,” predict organizers, members of the Hunting Hills High School Mandarin Program and Red Deer & Regional Chinese Community Society.
Tickets for the 6-9:30 p.m. event are $5 and will be available at the door, or can be purchased in advance from the high school.
The Central Alberta Refugee Effort (CARE) will also be hosting a Chinese New Year Cultural Cafe from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25. Everyone is invited to the free event to taste some Chinese food and learn more about Chinese New Year traditions. It will be held at CARE offices, 5000 Gaetz Ave.
People born in the Year of the Rooster are supposed to be honest, energetic, flexible and confident. Although possessing enviable skills, they have shortcomings, such as being seen as arrogant. Famous people born under this sign are Rudyard Kipling, Benjamin Franklin, Dolly Parton, Serena Williams, Beyonce, Eric Clapton and Yoko Ono.