There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the Chinese Lunar New Year and its corresponding zodiac animal this year.
Confusion has been sparked over the translation of a Chinese character, which has left many in the western world asking what year it is.
The Mandarin Chinese Character ‘yang’ apparently means ‘horned animal’ which has left people guessing whether it could be the year of the goat, year of the sheep or year of the ram.
Eva Air don’t seem to be too confused however, as their Hello Kitty-themed planes are celebrating Chinese New Year with Goat-related inflight service items. The planes usually carry more than 100 different Hello Kitty branded service items ranging from meals and toiletries to headrests and placemats, though these have been specially adapted to feature Hello Kitty wearing a set of goat horns.
It is thought that people born in the year of the sheep are not leaders, and there are reports rhat some parents have delayed births to avoid the sheep years. However there is also the goat interpretation based on ancient Chinese tradition as it was one of the six animals that was eaten – mainly by the powerful and the rich.
Despite the confusion in the west, it isn’t something that people in Asia care about when ringing in the New Year.
“I’ve never thought about that question before,” Chen Xufeng, an office clerk in Beijing, told Xinhua. “Do we have to tell them apart? I’ve seen more goats in zodiac images, but I prefer to buy a sheep mascot, as sheep are more fluffy and lovely.”
Whatever the year, we’d like to wish all of our friends across Asia and China a Happy New Year, and hope to see you in Kunming at Routes Asia 2015.
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