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Chinese lanterns usually come in the shape of ovals and red It was used as a source of light both indoors and outdoors. The lantern was also supposed to be used as a Buddhist worship. Nowadays, the lanterns are used as decorations or some forms to worship and celebrate. As of now, it has become a symbol of national pride.

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It is said to be that Chinese people love the color red. The color red also happens to represent the symbol of energy, happiness, and good luck. The envelope was one of the ways to send good wishes and luck. The money inside the red envelope was one of the expectations that would give out more happiness and blessings. It is also impolite to open a red envelope when someone who gave it to you is in front of you.

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Fire and water are considered lucky symbols: fire because it’s red, the color of luck, and water because an urn full of water symbolizes fortune and bounty. The Vietnamese also say that “money flows like water”, so homes will make sure they have plenty of water and stoke their fires so as not to run out. If you run out of either, that’s a bad omen, and definitely don’t go asking your neighbor to borrow any!

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The summer breeze here in there Southern Hemisphere begins to fan the fire of what feels to be the real start of the year - here in February. Where the passing of the days, the spinning of the Earth and the growth of our path is excelarated.

This is an amazing time to be alive and a very crucial one as well. The intensity and acceleration of heat (fire) seems to be happening on all levels! Globally, politically and physically as our planet heats up. It could be easy to get a little too caught up in all this heat. And it's true, sometimes we need to fight fire with fire. But a fire that's out of control means someone is going to be burnt.

When something becomes too big to handle, we need to change the lens of focus and concentrate on something we can manage. So individually we must all look to create balance in our lives and within ourselves. We can't change the world but we can change our world. And this is what we can and must focus on.

The 5 Elements Support Balance and Harmony

In Ayurveda there are the 5 elements that make up all life. These 5 elements (Pancha malabhutas) are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether (or Space). These five elements normally support life and create harmony, but when out of balance cause discomfort and disease (in the body) or threaten life in the larger scheme of things. And we can see how that is playing out in the world just now. Too much fire!

Fire is called Agni in Sanskrit and agni facilitates transformation. Which is a good thing right. However, if transformation is done with too much agni, then the results can be painful. Whether that is in your body (think of indigestion, this is very uncomfortable) or in your emotions (getting irritated or angry) or the fiction created on a global scale, causing war and destruction.

If we feel concerned about how things are in the world but don't know how to help, a very real thing we can do is focus on ourselves. Creating peace within, creates peace out-with.

Managing Your Internal Fire

So let's start by simply looking at the element of fire in ourselves and our lives. How well is fire balanced in your body and in your life? Fire in the body regulates not just digestion/absorption/assimilation of food but of thoughts and experiences as well. It regulates our body temperature as well as our perception and comprehension of things. When someone is 'sharp' or alert we often say something like "aren't you on fire today!". The fire element radiates energy and gives the light within the eyes and spark in the personality!

However, if there is too much fire, that light in the eyes turns red and that spark can shoot people down. We have all seen this in someone or experienced it in ourselves.

One of the best ways to control fire is with water. We all know this too as it is the main weapon used by firefighters. It's the same with our bodies. When we get overheated, we turn to water to cool down.

The Cooling Effects of Water

Water, which is called Apas in Sanskrit, can also have a calming and refreshing effect on the mind and emotions. Think what a swim in the ocean can do to up lift or a soak in a bath to calm down. Water has the qualities of the moon. Like fire has the qualities of the sun. So it's attributes are calming, inwardly focused, reflective, insightful, intuitive. Like the day balances itself with night, we need to balance our fire with water.

With the right balance of water in our lives we are able to 'go with the flow'. There's a smoothness and ease to our minds and actions. Water is cohesive by nature, it brings things together and it's energy is downward. Water is about preserving and nourishing life. It is nearsighted and if this is in balance with fire, where the vision is sharp and longsighted, then this can be a very powerful place to be making decisions from.

Too much water though and that's not good either. When we're high in water there's a heaviness to our body and our mood. We tend to become lazy, disinterested, depressed or selfish. When water becomes too cold it becomes frozen and so too can our actions and our emotions. We need the heat so the energy can stay mobile.

Related to Our Chakras

In terms of the chakras (these are the 7 main chakras or energy centres running down the centre of our body) fire relates to Manipura, housed at the solar plexus. This chakra relates to our individuality, our sense of personal power, our ambition and ability to do in this world. Where as Water relates to Swadhishthiana housed in the pelvis. This chakra is about emotions, pleasure, intimacy and creativity.

So to be in balance we also need to balance work with play. Discipline with freedom. Pleasure with control. Intimacy with detachment. Must do's with want to's!

The seasons of the sun and the cycles of the moon can be powerful reminders to us to keep this balance. When we really starts tuning into this balance and getting it right, we then radiate Joy into the world. If just 10% of people in the world got this right then the world as we know it would be a very different place.

Balance Naturally Brings Joy

Start to balance your fire and water today by building your confidence, learning a new skill, taking positive action, spending time with people who inspire you. Exercise, be creative, take time to do things that give you pleasure. Make love. Meditate. Spend time in or near water. In the cooler months have an open fire or spend time outdoors in the sun. Eat well, drink plenty of water and you will begin to feel the vitality and natural happiness that balance gives.

Love to hear how you balance your fire and water!

Namaste Fire Keepers.

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Learn about balancing your inner fire with water. Creating balance creates happiness!

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The summer breeze here in there Southern Hemisphere begins to fan the fire of what feels to be the real start of the year - here in February. Where the passing of the days, the spinning of the Earth and the growth of our path is excelarated.

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It is one of the main foods to be eaten during tet. Xoi Gac is one of the favorites by people due to its red color. Xoi Gac also represents luck and achievments for the New Year. It has many forms, but red is most favorable. This can also be used to be served as dessert.

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You cannot wear black or white clothing during the Tet festival because those colors are often worn at funerals by the grieving. Instead, put on your fanciest outfit.

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Banh Chung grants a chance for families to gather with stories to tell each other about the past. They also bring families with their wishes for best things. Although modern society changes people from preparing cake, it does not stop them from trying to worship their ancestors with Banh Chung. Banh Chung is evidence of Vietnamese loyalty and deep gratitude. Therefore, Banh Chung is often used to worship things.

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The firecracker is used to scare away a monster named "nián". It would come each New Years and eat villagers. It was discovered when it tried to come to the village with the noise coming from. The villagers burned bamboo and it would create cracking noises. With the use of advanced technology, the firecracker had replaced the bamboo.

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Emperor Hung-Vuong had multiple sons. Each one became either a  writer or a martial artist. Except one of his sons, Tiet–Lieu became a farmer. During the end of the year, emperor Hung-Vuong met with his children, and made a request. He said that the son who brought the most special and unique food would become the new emperor in his place. So each son son began to find exotic and amazing food. While  Tiet–Lieu who was working in his farm, began picking golden grains and realized that these grains contained a beautiful aroma. So he and his family began picking these grains, once they were picked Tiet–Lieu turned the grains into flour and mixed it with water to create a soft paste. His kids created a fire to cook the paste and wrapped up the finished pastries. Tiet–Lieu had created two cakes, one round the other square. He named the round one banh day, while the square one was named banh chung. When it was time to give his father the food, Tiet–Lieu saw what amazing food his sibling got. When his brothers saw his banh, they knew he couldn't win. When all the food was eaten, his father announced that Tiet–Lieu was the winner. He saw how pure his banh was, and made him the new emperor. His brothers bowed to Tiet–Lieu to show their respect and honor for their brother.

That is the story of how the Rice cake was created for Tet.

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Rat - Sneaky and smart. The rat uses its brain to outsmart and manipulate its opponents. If you are a rat, you are clever and creative and charming. Although there are many positives of a rat, the rat had many negatives too, such as being manipulative, scheming, and self-destructive. In the race, the rat makes a pact with the ox and cat to cross the raging river. The rat ends up betraying the cat by pushing it into the water. After the cat was gone, the rat jumped off the ox when the ox almost crossed the line. The rat ended up winning the race.

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Snake - Clever and patient. The snake uses its patience and brain to slither around and solve its problems. If you are a snake you are patient, graceful and a deep thinker. Although you have these positive attributes, you also you are also distrustful, narcissistic, and Cold. To get 6th place, the snake hid in the hoof of the horse to cross the river. When the horse was close to the finish line, the snake jumped out and scared the horse. By doing This the Snake won 6th place in the race.

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Usually, a tiger is a natural charmer, and gifted with an irresistible magnetism. People born the year of the tiger never run away from trauma. During the year of the dog, the tiger has a particularly good year. The tiger is able to stay away from the important problems, but there are also some horrible surprises which could anger them. Like many other animals, the tiger is to work a lot and give up a lot of their time. The tiger is also concerned about their well-being and the discovery of astonishment and the concern for others.

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The dog zodiac indicates faith and future prosperity. They are secretive and trustworthy to people who tell secrets they are not comfortable with sharing. Sometimes, they would often worry for no reason. According to the legend, “The Great Race”, the dog was too busy playing in the water, nearly forgetting about the race, until he arrived eleventh place as the eleventh animal year in the Vietnamese calendar. The other zodiacs the dogs get along with the most are the tiger and horse, but not the ox, dragon, or cat.

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Goat - Creative and observant. The goat uses it creativity, and inattentiveness, to solve problems and get past conflicts. If you are a goat you are creative, observant, and artistic. The goat also has many negatives such as, being indecisive, pessimistic, and a worrier. The horoscope for the year of the goat is believing in yourself and being able to manage and prioritize your personal goals. In the Zodiac race, the goat teamed up with the monkey and the rooster to cross the river. The rooster informed the goat of an incoming boat. The goat began to cut grass with its teeth, and with the monkey's help the goat pulled the boat towards them. By working together, the three animals crossed the river and completed the race. The goat getting 8th place.

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Just before Tet, families will take the time to clean the house, garden and altar to make sure everything is neat and organized. During the first three days of Tet, sweeping the house is a no-no because you’ll also sweep your luck and good fortune away.

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successful woman ready for spring cleaning smiling with rubber..

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Picture of successful woman ready for spring cleaning smiling with rubber gloves and cleaning products. Pretty smiling young mixed race Asian girl isolated on white background. stock photo, images and stock photography. Image 68207020.

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The dragon zodiac are the symbols of power, wealth, and prosperity. Their image would appear at the palace or the king’s robe. Dragon people are said to be born talented and are ambitious, strong, and courageous but they would also arrogant, tactless, and sometimes demanding. It is not the first animal in the Vietnamese calendar because according to legend, the dragon was busy creating heavy rain for the village that are suffering a drought during the race and made it in fifth place. Other zodiacs the dragons get along with the most are the tiger, monkey and rooster, but not the dog.

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The cat zodiac is used as the fourth animal year for the Vietnamese calendar instead of the rabbit zodiac because Vietnamese farmers would use cats to capture rats eating the crops and have little use for rabbits. A cat person reflects the characteristics of a cat, meaning they are kind yet secretive. In the legend, the cat was betrayed by the rat during the race. The rat pushed the cat when they were crossing the river on the buffalo, so the rat can be first, which is the reason why rats and cats are enemies.  Other zodiacs the cats get along with the most are the goat and pig, but not the rat, dog, and rooster.

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The Vietnamese believe that losing your temper or shouting bodes ill for the upcoming year, so by all means, try to avoid swearing and fighting. Wipe the slate clean and be extra nice to everyone!

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During the year of the dog, the ox is more attached to their family and protect them. Their resolution would be "The Choice." Overall, the Ox would have a rather nice year where they can master their anger, and try to not go overboard with any of their relatives or loved ones. They also have the chance to learn about everybody's difference in strength and dedication. In 2018, the ox should not be losing sight of their goals and always have faith of their abilities. Overall, the ox will be ready in a bad situation.

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Lion dance is a traditional dance known as múa lân. It is often mistaken as the Dragon dance, but the difference is that a dragon dance consists multiple people to hold the poles of the dragon, while a lion dance consists only 2 people in each lion costume. Performers would mimic a lion’s movements, by using most of the Chinese martial arts, and would be accompanied by martial artists and acrobatics. The loud music from the drums, cymbals, bells, and gongs that goes with the lion’s movements and the sound of firecrackers is believed to ward off evil spirits.

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Normally, the horse is an athlete who is always on the move and passionate about adventures. They also have a strong desire to have freedom and strong emotions. If they choose the right path for themselves, then they'd likely reach success. Their resolution would be "devotion." In the year of the dog, they are more focused on the needs of his family and home. There is a possibility that they could get into an argument with their family, so they have to be careful about it and try to work on it. Overall, they would try to get a union which would promote their learning fields and would try to make a good impression on their new love where it is ten times larger than the interest and attention on his studies.

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On the first day of the Lunar New Year, families would go greet their relatives and friends. They would wish each other prosperity, health and longevity, security, lots of money, and/or luck. They would start with their relatives first, then their friends and colleagues. Children even received lucky money when greeting adults. The reason for this custom is for friends and families to meet with each other after being separated.

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In addition to being tidy, Vietnamese will be careful around breakable items during Tet. Breakage equates to damage or loss (much like the Western superstition of breaking a mirror equaling seven years of bad luck), so no butter fingers during the holidays, taking care to be extra careful with bowls and plates

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It is a custom for Vietnamese people to visit the pagodas and temples to pray to show respect for Buddha and Gods of the pagodas or temples. After praying, they would take a small tree branches from the pagoda garden to their homes to bring prosperity and health. Another activity in the pagoda is lots drawing or fortune telling. The Vietnamese people had two directions, one for riches and fame and the other to come with happiness. They had preferred the direction for happiness, since it is the one they are seeking.

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The Rooster has a flamboyant and colorful personality and is thorough in all they do. They are always organized and like to plan their various activities well in advance. They are usually highly intelligent and very well read with a good sense of humor  They love discussion and enjoy taking part in debates. They have no hesitation in saying what is on their mind. Roosters should try to avoid acting on the spur of the moment as they have a very volatile nature. They are capable of accumulating a considerable sum of money throughout their life.

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Bầu cua tôm cá is a Vietnamese gambling game that uses three dice and it is often played at Tết. Each dice would have a picture of a fish, a prawn, a crab, a rooster, a gourd, and a stag and players will place the amount of money they decided on one of the six pictures that may appear on the dice. The die that corresponds with the picture would receive the amount of money they bet on. The money they bet on would double or triple, depending on the number of dice that matches their choice.

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Children are given money in a small, red envelope to welcome the new age of the first day of Lunar New Year. Children would greet the adults and then received lucky money from adults as an exchange. It can also be given at the last day of Lunar New Year, not just the first day. This is meant for children to understand the values of money and educate them on how to save money for good purposes.

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Pigs are diligent, compassionate, and generous. They have great concentration: once they set a goal, they will devote all their energy to achieving it. Though Pigs rarely seek help from others, they will not refuse to give others a hand. Pigs never suspect trickery, so they are easily fooled. General speaking, Pigs are relatively calm when facing trouble. No matter how difficult the problems are Pigs encounter, they can handle things properly and carefully. They have a great sense of responsibility to finish what they are engaged in.

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The Monkey is the ninth of 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. Monkey years include: 1932, 1944, 1956,  1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016. The monkey is a clever animal. It is usually compared to a smart person. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), the dignified Chinese official title of marquis was pronounced 'Hou', the same as the pronunciation of ‘monkey’ in Chinese. The animal was thereby bestowed with an auspicious meaning.