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Published: December 24th 2010
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THE CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR, 2011, IS THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT.
The Chinese have adopted many of the festive traditions of the West. Of course, much has to do with the crafty merchants, who see it has an opportunity to fatten their wallets. Here, in front of a major mall in Taizhou, Jiangsu, PRC, the tradition of the Christmas tree has been paired with several large and colorful Rabbits. The Rabbit is the Zodiac Animal for the Chinese Lunar New Year, 2011. MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS, 2010 AND HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR, 2011 !!!
The years 2010/2011 have been my 5th year at Taizhou Teachers College in Jiangsu, China:
It is the right and special time to thank my loving and supportive family; all of my many eager and sweet students and colleagues (former and present); the wonderful and dedicated teachers and staff and the kind and caring administration of TTC; and my many dear friends around China, in America, in Canada, in Australia, in New Zealand, in Germany and in so many other countries, for YOUR continued encouragement and for YOUR love, and for having shared YOUR hearts during another exciting year in China.
TO ALL OF YOU, I wish a happy and loving holiday season with your family and your friends. May the joy of this Holiday Time bring you many smiles and good cheers and much prosperity and love throughout the New Year, 2011. I am truly grateful for all of your support, which has meant so much to me while far away from home.
My friends all around China are now preparing for their Spring Festival and the Chinese Lunar New Year (2011), which is
celebrated on February 3rd and 4th, 2011. It will be the YEAR of the RABBIT. It is the most important time for the Chinese to gather with their families and celebrate togetherness, and renew their family ties and their joys.
I am grateful for all of their efforts, making my stay on the campus of TTC so meaningful, exciting and productive. I wish all of them a successful and very HAPPY CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR, THE RABBIT YEAR!!!. THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY STAY IN YOUR COUNTRY SO SPECIAL.
UNDER THE CHINESE ZODIAC, "2011" IS THE YEAR OF "THE RABBIT or HARE". These are the dates of the Rabbit Years throughout the last Century:
01/29/1903 to 02/15/1904
02/14/1915 to 02/02/1916
02/02/1927 to 01/22/1928
02/19/1939 to 02/07/1940
02/06/1951 to 01/26/1952
01/25/1963 to 02/12/1964
02/11/1975 to 01/30/1976
01/29/1987 to 02/16/1988
02/16/1999 to 02/04/2000
02/03/2011 to 01/22/2012
It is said, that a person born in the year of the Rabbit possesses one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs in the Chinese Zodiac. During the Chinese mid-Autumn festival, when the Moon is supposed to be at its loveliest, Chinese children still carry paper lanterns made in the image of
a Rabbit and climb the hills to observe the Moon and admire the Moon Hare/Rabbit.
When we check out the moon in the West, we tell our children the story of the "Man on the Moon". When the Chinese look at the Moon, they see a "Moon Rabbit" under a tree, and holding the Elixir of Immortality in his hands.
The Rabbit/Hare symbolizes good manners, graciousness, mature counsel, kindness, and a special sensitivity to beautiful things. Other qualities of a person born under the sign of the Rabbit are: Keen, wise, fragile, tranquil, serene, considerate, fashionable and kind. They are quite calm, do not exhibit aggressive behavior, and will avoid confrontation at all costs. When angry about something, they will approach it calmly and considerately, hardly ever raising their voice.
They pay close attention to the situations developing around them. They are quick and intelligent, and can talk themselves in or out of most situations with little problem.
The Rabbit is a symbol for mercy, elegance, and worship of beauty and they are kind, loving persons, and dislike any hostile acts. They give others the impression of being frail-looking because of their gentle appearance. In fact, they
are strong minded and have strong wills.
They pursue their ideals all their lives in a precise and orderly way. They do things slowly and deliberately because of their cautious characters.
They are nimble, clever and good at avoiding harm to themselves. They are talented and like artistic ventures, such as painting and music. They themselves can make great painters or musicians due to this sense of beauty and their love of creativity.
They are also very hospitable, good hosts and warm-hearted companions. They generally do not show affection in public places. They know the art of "saving face" and giving consideration to interests of both sides, a special quality in China.
On the other hand, they will become depressed and withdrawn if their homes do not consist of beautiful possessions that make them comfortable. Their offices and homes are usually clutter-free.
They have really good communication skills and are great in management positions. Because they are so well organized and diplomatic, they make great teachers and counselors.
A person born under this sign is said to lead a tranquil life, enjoying peace, quiet, and a calm environment. He is reputed to be reserved
All of my students wish everyone a Happy Holiday.
This is lucky student #1. Every Christmas, I offer all of my students some special presents. But in every class, one lucky student will win the "special" Christmas Bear. Please notice the beautiful red winter scarf around my neck. It was hand-knit by one of the TTC male-students and is one of the many special gift presented to me this holiday. and artistic, and possesses good judgment. His thoroughness will also make him a great teacher, counselors and communicator. His strengths are in the fields of law, politics and government.
Rabbit people are usually relatively careful when it comes to their finances. They use their money for possessions such as their homes, cars and furniture. They love hunting for antiques, arts and crafts and will tend to make sound investments in these types of things.
Some famous Rabbit People: Angelina Jolie, Anjelica Huston, Drew Barrymore, Edith Piaf, Fanny Brice, Helen Hunt, Jane Seymour, Joan Crawford, and Tina Turner.
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My hundreds of students and the staff at Taizhou Teachers College have asked me to wish all of my family, and my friends around the world a very happy Christmas, a prosperous and joyful New Year, and of course a special Chinese Lunar New Year, The Year of the Rabbit.
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I hope you enjoy the photos and the lovely faces of the children of China. Some I have taken during events on the campus of Taizhou Teachers College, others during my travels around China this past year.
***THESE NEXT WEEKS, I AM SPENDING MY TIME WITH MY
The red, warm, hand-knit scarf is a present from this young man.
Yes! He made it himself, and it will help keep me warm during these cold winter days in Taizhou. FAMILY IN FLORIDA. I MUST TAKE CARE OF MANY PERSONAL THINGS BEFORE I RETURN FOR THE 2nd SEMESTER AT TAIZHOU TEACHERS COLLEGE, AT THE END OF FEBRUARY, AND THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME NOW IS VIA MY E-MAIL: HSchneider101@gmail.com. PLEASE BE PATIENT, SINCE I MAY NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ANSWER ALL E-MAILS IN A TIMELY MANNER. FOR THAT I APOLOGIZE!
I ALWAYS APPRECIATE YOUR THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS ON THIS OR ANY OF MY TRAVELBLOG ENTRIES. IF YOU ENLARGE THE 129 PHOTOS OF THIS TRAVELBLOG #129, YOU WILL ENJOY GREATER DETAILS.
AND PLEASE REMEMBER: IF YOU WISH TO JOIN OUR FACULTY, THERE IS A SPECIAL PLACE WAITING FOR YOU HERE AT TAIZHOU TEACHERS COLLEGE, AS ONE OF THE DEDICATED EDUCATORS FOR THE FUTURE TEACHERS OF CHINA.
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Sarah Ruiz
non-member comment
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Hey Schneider! I'm happy to read that things are going so well for you in China. I enjoy looking through the gorgeous photographs you have taken while on your many adventures. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! -Sarah