By Nick Turner
Lunar New Year’s celebrations were in full swing over the weekend on February 11th as live music, tasty aromas and thousands of people filled the streets of the International District. Friday, February 16 marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog. More specifically, 2018 signifies the Year of the Earth Dog, which comes only once every 60 years. If you were born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 or 2018, your birth year corresponds with Years of the Dog and therefore makes you a dog in the Chinese Zodiac.
Characteristics of the dog include honesty, kindness and prudence. Since they have such a strong sense of loyalty, dogs will do everything they can for those they care about. They’re inability to communicate well often leaves people thinking they’re stubborn, but, due to their good nature, dogs rarely seek dishonest gains and strive instead to obtain a quiet, peaceful life with family or other means of comfort.
Dogs are easily confused and think of the world as an overwhelming, evil place. They criticize sharply and project pessimistic views onto others. Still, they’re always ready to help others with no regard for their own interests, and that’s surely something to celebrate.
Festivities in Seattle’ International District over the weekend included lion dances, seemingly endless food vendors and so much more. If you missed it, not to worry: there will always be next year. Besides, whether you’re a rabbit or a snake, a horse or a monkey, a rat or a dragon, 2018 will be a year to remember.
Photo by Nick Turner
Photo by Nick Turner
