Chinese New Year, or “Spring Festival,” is being observed by many around the world, and is celebrated as a time to appreciate and enjoy family, friends, and the home. This year – 4715, according to the Chinese calendar – is the year of the Fire Rooster, one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac that were traditionally used to date the years.

Holidays – and the symbolism associated with them – often serve as inspiration to reflect on what connects us in the human experience. Perhaps we can consider the attributes of a rooster to think about how we can most positively harness our energies in the present moment.

Roosters are timekeepers and their “wake-up calls” remind us of our responsibilities at work. They welcome the morning sun based on instinct; their reliable nature invites us to reflect on trustworthiness and what we can do to make sure we embody this quality for others. Roosters represent the “dawning,” and therefore a time of gathering the resources we need to make it through the day.

The Rooster calls us to action.

Perhaps we can consider what ways we want to express ourselves in the coming year, and confidently show off the best of who we are. What can we do to benefit the world?

Happy New Year, from all of us at Jersey Shore Acupuncture!