Year of the Dog and The Influence of Red
Chinese New Year is officially upon us! The Chinese New Year coincides with the start of the lunar new year, in which the first new moon appears. This year, the festivities begin at the stroke of midnight on Feb 16th.
(By the way, we're having our own little celebration: 10% off all orders with code: LUNARNEWYEAR, until midnight on Feb 18th!)
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This year, the symbol is the Dog, 狗 (Gǒu), which is the 11th of the zodiac animals. Did you know in China, it is still popular to name dogs Wàng Cái (旺财). It means “prosperous wealth” and comes from dogs’ barking sounds (旺旺—wàng wàng).
The color of dog is red. Red has a very important history in China specifically, but seeing red implemented in bedding is a great way to connect with history as well as enjoy a zodiac- and the new year- in a new way. Red is a symbol of good luck- many will send red and gold Hongbao envelopes to close relatives with some money inside, as a offering of good fortune.
The dog motifs include a particular dog which accompanies a hero, the dog as one of the twelve totem creatures for which years are named. The personalities of people born in Dog years are popularly supposed to share certain attributes associated with Dogs, such as loyalty or exuberance. Loyalty is often rewarded, and thus good fortune, and thus the use of red color.
A detail of Chinese art, circa 1742.
A detail of Chinese paper cut, modern day.
We at Flaneur wish you the most prosperous and pleasant new year. Remember to change the sheets! 10% off all orders with code: LUNARNEWYEAR, until midnight on Feb 18th!
