MP2 Blog Post #2

1. I am a Yin Water and a Rooster.
Yin Water is supposed to be gentle and subtle, like a light rain. A Rooster means pride, honesty, courage, vigilance, arrogance, strength, watchfulness, and flamboyance. It was believed that the rooster was able to ward off evil spirits with it's crowing.

I think that some of the aspects of these elements are similar to me, but not all of them. I am very honest and I try my hardest to tell the truth in all my situations, and I try to be courageous about lots of things in my life, but hey, I don't think I'd be put in Gryffindor if I happened to go to Hogwarts. I think that rooster does fit me fairly well though.

2. The Chinese New Year begins based on the Chinese Lunar Calender. Because the moon patterns change every year, the tie of the Chinese New Year changes every year as well. It can begin anywhere from the beginning of January to partway through February, like the upcoming 2010 Chinese New Year. In 2010 the Chinese New Year will begin on February 14th

It is said that Buddha invited all of the animals to join him in a New Year celebration but only twelve of them showed up, the twelve animals that the Chinese New Year follows. As a reward for showing up, Buddha named 12 years after each animal in the order that they arrived.

The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the first full moon after the Chinese New Year. Lots of fireworks, food, games, lights, and more are used to celebrate with everyone. It is a huge deal and festival celebrated throughout the entire country, especially in big cities.

3. In ancient times there were two types of surnames: Family names and Clan names. Chinese family names are passed from father to child. In fifth century BC only very important, wealthy people like the royal family and aristocratic elites could take surnames. The most common surnames are Wang, Li, and Liu.