新年快乐, Anker fans!
Unfamiliar with the captivating language of Mandarin? 新年快乐 (xīn nián kuài lè) is a phrase all Chinese speakers the world over will be familiar with at this time of year: Happy New Year!
That’s right, Anker aficionados. Chinese New Year is here once more. As per our usual routine, all of us here at Anker Towers will be taking a break from January 24th through Feburary 2nd. During this time, expect less communication from us here on the community.
This year marks the start of the Year of the Rat 
, so to celebrate, we thought we’d share a legend of the Rat and how it became a part of the Chinese Zodiac.
Behold the Rat, First of the Zodiac
According to Chinese myth, the Jade Emperor said the order of the Zodiac would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party. The Rat tricked the Ox 
into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of the Ox, becoming first.
New Year Taboos
Chinese Spring Festival is awash with fascinating cultural traditions and practices, including some ancient taboos that could spell disaster for you.
To ensure you remain lucky this New Year, we thought we’d outline a few of the activities to avoid over Chinese New Year.
Eating Porridge for Breakfast
Drop that box of oats now, buddy boy! Well, on the first morning of the Chinese New Year, that is. In the past, many people could only afford rice porridge, resulting in this tasty favorite to be regarded as a sign of poverty and misfortune.
To avoid your own financial woes, stay clear of this breakfast staple and instead opt for dumplings—or milk and cornflakes.
Taboo Words
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words… well, according to Chinese myth, the wrong word can spell doom for your hopes of prosperity this coming year.
Avoid talking directly about death, ghosts, killing, sickness, pain, loss, and poverty, and instead create some clever euphemisms—magic floating sheets 
, for example—to safely navigate these taboo topics.
Crying
Dry your eyes mate, or misfortune will befall you this New Year. Yes, we’re serious. According to Chinese tradition, the cries of children (or adults, for that matter) can herald a year of bad luck.
So how to avoid the cries of children over Chinese New Year? Answer: spoil them rotten!
Let us know how you’ll be avoiding breaking these taboos over Chinese New Year, as well as of any taboos you avoid in your daily life.
Best Wishes for the Year of Rat ,
The Anker Team
I remember celebrating Chinese New Year when I was living in Chinatown as a youngster. Being a part of the Chinese New Year was a great experience. My Kung Fu class and I would take part in the Chinese New Year parade. The smell of firecrackers being lite, watching the lion dances, and seeing all the people come out to celebrate was a happy occasion. Oh, and don’t forget the Red Envelopes 
Every kids dream.
