It's almost time to ring in the Chinese New Year (the year of the rabbit) and say goodbye to the year of the tiger.
One of the big celebrations in Prince George that will start with a big bang is at Exploration Place on Feb. 5., which will offer free fireworks at 6 p.m. in Fort George Park.
Inside will offer an evening of dining, games and music. Tickets, at Exploration Place, are $65 per person or tables of eight for $500.
Tracy Calogheros, executive director at Exploration Place, advises residents to get tickets quickly since the event sells out each year.
People under the sign of the rabbit are those born in 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999 along with those born this year.
This Chinese year is actually more special than the usual rabbit years since it's the year of the metal rabbit, which is associated with the five universal Chinese elements - wood, fire, water, metal and earth.
People born between Feb. 6, 1951 and Jan. 26, 1952 will be joined by those born between Feb. 3 of this year and Jan. 22, 2012 as metal rabbits.
The elements are associated with colours, animal zodiac signs and the planets used by ancient astrologers to determine what influences would dominate a person's life.
Calogheros said metal rabbits find importance in the values of life, like one's reputation.
"Metal rabbits make fine book agents, art critics, teachers, political campaigners and great organizers.
"They never seek the limelight, but are trustworthy and always surrounded by friends. Since they are so pure of heart, their finances sometimes run deep into trouble. But on the other hand, their love lives are picture perfect and complete in themselves," said Calogheros.
According to Chinese tradition, the rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a good year for negotiation, but don't try to force issues because you will ultimately fail.
To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.
Rabbits fall under a fortunate sign - long life and having powers of the moon.
They are sensitive to beauty and are diplomats and peacemakers as well as being reserved, artistic and good scholars.
Rabbits are lucky in money matters and great at finding a bargain. Being strong willed they go quietly, but determinedly towards their goals. They don't like making waves and find other means to get their way.
"Although warm and understanding, don't expect them to go out and do battle for you. If the going gets too rough, rabbits may make a quick exit," Calogheros said.
There are various stories about the origins of the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac [Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar], but the essence is that a higher being called all animals to a meeting and the first to arrive would be the first chosen.
Prior to this, the rat and the cat were good friends. But on the morning of the meeting, the rat, in her excitement, forgot to wake up the cat and through various means of trickery or cleverness, got to the gods first and was thus chosen first for the Chinese Zodiac. The cat slept in and missed the gathering altogether and is not included in the calendar. Since then, the two have been enemies.
