Your Chinese zodiac year - don't get screwed this time! (Fashion Blog Post)

Okay. Fine. You're not superstitious.

Neither am I. But considering all the bad luck that happened during my last zodiac year, I feel obligated to warn everyone.

What bad luck happened to you last time?

What didn't happen? I grew a humongous tumor, suffered severe hemorrhage, was rushed to the ER, got a transfusion worth four bags of blood, got another transfusion a few months later, gained 20 pounds from treatment, underperformed at work, and ended the year with very painful surgery.

By the end, I was exhausted! But as soon as next year rolled around, things started looking up.

When my mom told me about the Chinese Zodiac Year last time, as well as how to fend off bad luck, I brushed her off. Oops! Shouldn't have done that. Yet somehow, I still don't believe the curse. But this year, I'd rather play it safe.

Perhaps you can too, when your Zodiac Year comes around?

Wait! Wait! What is the Chinese Zodiac Year?

Sorry. Forgot to explain.

In Mandarin, an individual's Zodiac Year is called "Ben Ming Nian." It's your birth year on the Chinese Zodiac. It comes every 12 years, as there are 12 zodiac signs on the Chinese calendar. For example, I was born in the Year of the Horse. This year, also the Year of the Horse, I turn 36. This is my third Zodiac Year.

Your Zodiac Year brings you bad luck, because you offend Tai Sui, the God of Age. It's an ancient superstition, and I can't find out why, so you'll have to go with it.

Ways to prevent bad luck on your Chinese Zodiac Year:

These are tips I've read or learned from my family. I've no guarantee of their validity. I will do them only because, again, better safe than sorry.

1. Pray to Tai Sui.

Find a picture of Tai Sui, pray to him, and hope for the best.

2. Wear red undergarments.

The Chinese see red as lucky. It's the color you wear on happy occasions like the New Year and weddings. It also fends off evil.

You should wear red everyday during your Zodiac Year, so red undergarments are preferred.

Again, no idea if this works, but I just dropped 50 dollars on new underwear, so let's hope so.

3. Wear red in general.

If not red undergarments, then red strings, belt, jewelry, silk ribbon, etc. Any red clothing, like today's bright jacket, suffices.

 

4. Wear jade.

Jade is another lucky symbol in China. If you go with jade, wear it on the left side to enhance luck. Again, there's no evidence of this working. It's only tradition. Also, you can't buy your own jade. It must be a present from someone else.

That's about all I know of.

Thanks for reading.

Good luck on your own Chinese Zodiac Year.

And Happy Chinese New Year to everyone!