As we enter the Year of the Tiger we leave the Year of the Buffalo (Ox) which signified a lot of hard work for everyone in the past year. Does the word *recession* come to mind?!

Well then, what does the Year of the Tiger mean for us?

For one thing, the fact that Valentine’s Day and Tet are falling on the same day (which has only happened three times since 1900) we have two times as much to celebrate!

Hearts and chocolate? Or, dumplings and noodles to celebrate Tet instead of going out or staying in with someone special?

So have some noodles but don’t let the first strand break before it is all the way in your mouth. Cutting (or breaking) the noodle is bad luck because long noodles symbolize longevity.

Wear red – it is the color of power and passion which the Tiger symbolizes; and, it is the ultimate hue of Valentine’s Day. Also, for Tet it is the color of wealth, good luck and royalty.

Eat some citrus fruits to represent the good luck and good fortune you’ll have during the next 12 months. The vitamin C is a bonus – LOL

Go to the celebrations and parades if you live in a city that has a Vietnamese (or Chinese) community – and what city doesn’t!?! – LOL. Celebrate the festive, fresh new start in the grand tradition of Tet. Beats the heck out of berating (or being berated by) your husband, boy friend, girl friend, wife, significant someone over who was *supposed* to have made the Valentine Day dinner reservations!

Tet 4708 (2010 by Western calendar) is the Year of the Metal Tiger.

The offical Tet celebration days this year are February 14th – 17th.

Those born in the Year of the Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022) will benefit from good luck and good fortune during a Tiger year.

The Tiger is the proverbial King of the Jungle, admired for its vivid stripes symbolic of the balanced forces of `yin’ and `yang’.

Tigers are truly a force of nature. They are dependable, unpredictable, fearless and stout-hearted, tender and loving.To the world appearing at times to be quiet homebodies, Tigers may just as suddenly change course, and pack up to travel to some far-flung exotic destination. As a result, they may sometimes be perceived as irresponsible. This is because few other signs can keep up with the Tiger’s ability to think on their feet, or their primal desire for adventure and first-hand experience of life.

In family relationships, Tigers are extremely protective and will strike out at any perceived threat to home or children. In business and personal relationships, their air of charismatic authority often commands respect.

However, their regal attitude may sometimes turn into a firm belief that they know what’s best for everyone, and they may sometimes descend into stormy moods of retribution if they fail to get their way.

At such times, standing up to a disgruntled Tiger is the quickest way of earning their admiration — just be ready for a battle royal!

Tigers can never sustain their fury for long, so if you can ride out the storm, then surely peace will reign again.

Predictions for the Year of the Tiger

The year of the Tiger is traditionally associated with massive changes and social upheaval. Therefore, 2010 is very likely to be a volatile one both on the world scene, as well as on a personal level.

Tigers who thrive on chance and unpredictability are best suited to navigating the many upheavals predicted in the year ahead. Those compatible with the Tiger — the Dragon and the Horse in particular — may also find 2010’s erratic circumstances inspiring them to ever bolder action, and ultimate success.

Those born under other signs will suffer, by degree, depending on how flexible they are to change. Those who can keep a steady hand on the helm may be shaken, but undeterred by the typically thunderous events foreseen in any Tiger year.

Remember, whatever the omens portend, for better or worse, you are the final master of your own fate.

These ideas are provided for your enjoyment and amusement and are not meant to take the place of your own good sense.

Wishing you and your family a year of health and prosperity!

Chuc Mung Nam Moi

Bob

PS: For more information about Tet visit the links below.

Saigon: Viet-namese New Year – TET
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, and Part 8