In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal sign and one of the five elements. The sign and the element of your birth year are said to affect your personality and destiny. Each combination of element and sign occurs in a cycle.
This year, the Chinese New Year begins on 8 February. The Chinese New Year starts with the new moon on the day of the Lunar New Year and ends on the full moon, usually 15 days later. This year is the Year of the Monkey and it represents energy, versatility, sociability and mischievousness.
There are a few traditions that are important to celebrate during the Chinese New Year and this includes exchanging red packets. The red packet is a red envelope with money in it, usually Chinese Yuan. The red packets are given as a symbol of repressing evil, keeping healthy and living long.
This Chinese New Year we recognise and celebrate the partnership we have with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) which has a 20.1% stake in Standard Bank Group.
We want to wish all of those celebrating a happy and prosperous New Year.
Visit ICBC for more information.