As you may know, each new year is marked by the characteristics of one of the 12 zodiac animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.  The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China.

The Chinese New Year’s animal symbol is always paired with one of the 5 elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth.  This year we will experience an Earth Dog.  Since it is also an Earth year in Western astrology, we can be sure that Mother Earth will make herself heard.

I have a preference for this animal because, according to the Chinese Zodiac, I am a Dog. There are actually quite a few well-known Dogs (check the list at the bottom for famous dogs).  This includes our current President, Donald Trump (and his wife), the 4th American president born in a Dog Year (June 14, 1946).  Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are also dogs, but Trump is the first American President to be a dog and to hold that office in the Year of the Dog.

Trump is a Fire Dog. To welcome the coming dog year a mall in northern China has installed a giant canine statue with a red scarf, a slick orange pompadour and a raised index finger in a distinctly Trump-like manner.

The year of the Dog is associated with finding balance and order. Combined with Earth energy, this year is about being grounded and creating stability. The Earth element is slow to move but puts down strong roots. Dog years have a duality – wanting to take action and move forward but needing to be careful, not reckless. It is important to rest, reflect and look inside ourselves. This is a year to worry more about others, to be of service, and not over-focus on material gain.

Dogs are innocent, loving animals, but there is also a darker side to the year of the Dog.According to Chinese Astrology, this year is a time to tread carefully when dealing with sensitive situations. This is because there could be a tendency to lash out, become overly attached or stubborn.

Overall, the year of the Yang Earth Dog has potential to be positive. This year, it is especially important to honor the cycles of our lives and environment, and find a fun-loving approach to life no matter where the journey takes us.

There are many rituals people perform to ensure a smooth year ahead. Some clean their homes and put up red posters with poetic verses on their doors. Cleaning their homes removes the clutter of the past year and allows space for good luck in the year to come. Red is the color of luck in China, which is why we will see it in abundance during celebrations.

* An easier food that doesn’t have a head or tail to consume is an orange. Eating and displaying oranges is said to bring good luck and money.

* Eat spring rolls is you want more money.

* Try sweet rice balls to bring your family closer

* During the first five days of the New Year, eat long noodles to symbolize long life.

If you’re In Chicago, you might want to go to Chinatown, where there is an annual parade to celebrate the new year. It features a marching band, the traditional dragon, lion dances and decorative floats.