Happy Chinese New Year, Monday February 8, 2016

The Telegraph, UK/Rozina Sabur and Cameron Macphail, 2/7/16. "When is Chinese New Year 2016? The Year of the Monkey: Everything you need to know and how to celebrate in London."

Chinese New Year Lunar Spring Festival

Year of the Monkey

....  "The new year, also known as the Spring Festival, is marked by the lunisolar Chinese calendar, so the date changes from year to year. The festivities usually start the day before the New Year and continue until the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the new year.

.... This year it's the Year of the Monkey, the ninth animal in the cycle. The next Year of the Monkey will be in 2028.  The personality of the Monkey People born in the Year of the Monkey are characterised as lively, quick-witted, curious, innovative and mischievous, but it is also believed to be one of the most unlucky years in the Chinese calendar.
The general image of people in this zodiac sign is of always being smart, clever and intelligent, especially in their career and wealth.

In addition, their gentleness and honesty bring them an everlasting love life. Although they were born with enviable skills, they still have several shortcomings, such as an impetuous temper and a tendency to look down upon others.  Strengths: sociable, innovative, enthusiastic, self-assured. Weaknesses: suspicious, cunning, selfish, arrogant, jealous."  Read more.

Related. Southwest New Year Festival and Parade, San Francisco, Saturday, February 20, 2016. "Named one of the top ten Parades in the world by IFEA, the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is one of the few remaining night illuminated Parades in the country. .... Over 100 units will participate in the Southwest Airlines® Chinese New Year Parade. A San Francisco tradition since just after the Gold Rush, the parade continues to delight and entertain the many hundreds of thousands of people that come to watch it on the street or tune in to watch it on television on KTVU Fox 2  6:00-8:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 20, 2016." Chinese New Year San Francisco: 2016 Event Details, ...." The 2016 Chinese New Year Parade is on Saturday, February 20. It starts at 5:15pm at the corner of 2nd and Market Streets. It then weaves its way through Chinatown and ends at Jackson and Kearny Streets. The parade usually ends around 8pm."

Note graphics/photographs.  Monkey from Cairns Chinese New Year. Dragon face page to the 2013 parade, You Tube.com, 23 minutes, 48 seconds, "Chinese New Year Parade 2013 San Francisco (compilation).

Posted by Kathy Meeh