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Specifically, the Fire Horse. Known for fostering growth, independence, and strong, swift progress. This one's a rare combination, occurring every 60 years, symbolizing intense energy, passion, and change. While the animals of the calendar follow a 12 year cycle, there is also the 5 element cycle.  And, as we learned last year, there is a Yin and a Yang. Bing-Wu is the Yang Fire Horse, and this is known as a Double Fire year.  A year when the sun shines brighter, intuition sharpens, and life refuses to stay in old forms.

 The Calennig apple is a traditional Welsh New Year's gift, carried door to door by children who sing rhymes for good luck.  They may receive treats or coins in return. The apple, with a tripod of sticks, represents the sun's rays.  The studded cloves are for fragrance and health, while the sprig is for perennial life and good fortune. Today is known as "Hen Galan" or Old New Year. The Gwaun Valley is one of a handful of places that still celebrates according to the Julian calendar. Celebrations continue at the pub, the historic Dyffryn Arms, whose interior is listed as having "outstanding national historic importance." Beer is poured from a jug, which is filled directly from the barrel.  Just like the old days.

  "Just as the moon brings new phases, may this year bring you new hopes and dreams." It's not a new moon though, it's a waxing gibbous.  The first of 2026 will be January 18th. January 3rd will be the Super Wolf Moon, the first full moon of the year and the last in a series of supermoons. We'll be out camping under it.  ^_^ I wish you all the happiest New Year, and I thank you all for being here. See you next year!

  The ancient Armenian New Year is celebrated from August 11th-September 9th. It is the first month of the Armenian calendar, marking the start of a new cycle. The Navasardian deity represents the new harvest and hospitality, protector of the crops and feeder of the hungry. Festivities include athletic games, such as horse racing, hunting, and fire jumping. The great center of Navasard was the temple in Bagavan. Today it is considered a pagan sanctuary, but Christianity did take it over.  It was pillaged in 1877, and then destroyed completely in 1915 during the Armenian genocide. St. Hovhannes Cathedral was later built on the site.

  Enter the Year of the Wood Snake! Each year alternates between Yin and Yang - last year's dragon was Yang Wood, "a rigid, divisive and often angry nature," whereas this year's Yin Wood is associated with flowers, "easygoing, flexible and diplomatic." The snake also contains Yin Fire, predicting a "highly creative, collaborative and exciting year." The snake itself is most commonly associated with intelligence, resilience, and love.  A potential for self-cultivation, shedding bad energy.

 Mahayana is a branch of Buddhism, and today they reflect on the past year. Also known as Vesak, the holiday commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. In the Mahayana belief, anyone can attain enlightenment through practice, wisdom and compassion. Anyone would be welcome to the temple for prayer sessions, meditation, and lectures. I see "Joyful Chanting" on our local's calendar. It is also a day for charity and community, the sharing of good wishes and kindness with others.

  I was born on a year ending in 5, and I met Hubby on a year ending in 5. So I'm aiming for good vibes this new year.  ^_^ I will be off tomorrow for the holiday and though I'll be back on Thursday, I'm off again on Friday for our first camp of the year, so we might just keep this running for the rest of the week. According to Google Photos, my 2024 was "Always outdoors - Covered in sand - Never growing up."  That's a way of life. On my Untappd app, I checked in 54 new beers this year. I don't do Spotify so I don't have that annual summary like so many do, but feel free to share one of your own recaps of the year! Cheers, all!  ❤️

  I noticed this guy yesterday - everything else is getting ready. Spring means sunshine and growth, a thaw from winter, new beginnings. And the Persian New Year! Nowruz is a celebration based on the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar. It is one of the oldest calendars in the world, older than the Lunar Hijri calendar most Muslims use.  It's also the most accurate solar calendar in use today.  While many countries celebrate Nowruz, only Iran officially uses the calendar. The origins of Nowruz lie in Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest organized faiths, based on the Iranian prophet, Zoroaster.  Traditions include ritual dances, gift exchange, and reciting poetry. From the 13th century Persian poet, Rumi: In my heart you are the mirthful ray You are the caring, though my companions they Happy is the world with the Nowruz and with the Eid You are both my Eid and my Nowruz today. Happy New Day! 🌸

  The wood dragon symbolizes opportunity. Dragon years are often about ambition and achievement, which combines with the nurturing wood element for improvement and abundance. The dragon is associated with yang, the active principle of the universe according to Chinese philosophy, characterized by activity, positivity and productivity. The dragon is also a guardian of the environment in feng shui.  As the earth transitions from period 8 to period 9, the year is expected to be transformative in many ways. In Japan, the new year begins January 1st.  In China, the Lunar New Year will begin February 10th. Most Japanese dragons are associated with water, and are seen as a supporter of a plentiful harvest because they can summon the rains.  The dragon shrines are expected to be especially popular this year. Such as the Mabashi Inari Shrine. In conclusion, pursue your dreams, grow, be the best version of yourself this year. :-)

I was inspired by the idea of a "Chemistree."   And as we head into the New Year's weekend, fireworks are on the agenda. Here's the short and sweet of it. Once again, I'll be off on Monday, so this will be an open thread! Have a wonderful waltz into 2024! (Because 123123, get it!?)

  Specifically, the Water Rabbit, which officially began on January 22nd. The rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity.  This year is predicted to be one of hope. Those born as rabbits are believed to be witty, vigilant, and quick-minded. Previous years: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963

  Happy New Year!! It will probably be a short day for me and then I'm off on Monday again. As I mentioned yesterday, we're going camping this weekend.  Final weather will determine which direction we go, but I'm hoping for the warm springs. In fact, I have a list of springs for wherever we might end up.  That is my end of the year goal. So how are you going to celebrate!? Taha will be sharing party photos of all kinds for the festive mood!  Please feel free to share your own as well! This is from last year's hang out. Back in 2012, we rang in the new year with music that ended with silly string and toilet paper. We've never actually done the downtown fireworks fiasco, but people have always said it's worse than the pub crawls as far as crowds and lines and drunkenness. So yeah, we'll keep sticking to ourselves.  :-) Make it a great start everyone!! <3

  New moon, New year! The lunar calendar is based on the moon's orbit around the earth.   The tiger is commonly associated with bravery, courage, and strength - a sign of new beginnings. "This nicely coincided with hopeful recovery from the pandemic.  This actually is quite significant in terms of the symbol," said Eddy Keming Chen, philosophy professor in Chinese Studies at UC San Diego. Another basis of the zodiac are the elements, and this year is a water tiger, the first since 1962. People born in the year of the water tiger are said to be loyal and have strong relationships. In Mandarin, the New Year is referred to as Guo Nian, or to "pass over Nian." In Chinese mythology, the Nian is a beast that lives in the sea or in the mountains.  Every new year it would come out to feed on men and animals, sometimes even children.  Some legends attribute the lion dance as a means of driving away the Nian.  The villagers would bang drums and plates, throw fir...

  We'll start with Miley Cyrus since she hosted the Miami party, along with Pete Davidson. Perhaps you heard about the wardrobe malfunction. The straps broke so she let it fall and slipped offstage to grab that red blazer. Okay, onto others who were out celebrating! Dua Lipa Natasha Poonawalla Halsey Rebel Wilson Lizzo The Obamas Chrissy Teigen John Travolta with daughter Ella and son Ben. Dan Levy Happy 2022 everyone!

  2022!! Once again, I have Friday off for the holiday.  We haven't really talked about what we'll be doing to ring in the New Year, but I know I'll get a New Year's kiss! While the exact origin of this tradition is unknown, it can be traced back to such winter festivals as Saturnalia in Rome and Hogmanay in Scotland.  The latter is a Viking celebration which did involve a New Year's kiss for good luck.  Saturnalia was a drunken winter solstice party, so kissing would be expected. One of the earliest literary mentions of a New Year's kiss comes from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, written in the Middle Ages.  You may recall, that was our end of the year read-along last year. Speaking of a read-along, I read a quickie last night. A New Year's Eve How one chance meeting can change your direction... Anyway, I wish you all the very best and thank you for another wonderful year here at RenoVous!!! xoxo MClen

  I was advised that my K is upside down (I thought it looked funny....) but Hubby said 2020 is upside down, so it hasn't been corrected. Wishing you all a lovely evening, and a very happy New Year.  Everything won't change overnight, but I think we're on the path to recovery.  I'll always hope anyway. Cheers!

2020!!! The Rat is the first of all zodiac animals.  According to Chinese myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided based upon arrival to his party.  Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride and then jumped off as they approached the finish line. In Chinese culture, rats are associated with wealth and surplus, and were often prayed to for fertility. Previous years of the rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936 This year is specifically the metal rat (last 1960). I don't necessarily follow horoscopes, Chinese or otherwise, but I find our signs interesting.  I am an Ox and a Leo, and in some ways I do identify with those, especially my fire element. So Happy New Year and cheers to 2020! RenoTahoe Instagram