Happy Lunar New Year from the BC Epilepsy Society!

This Saturday, January 25th, marks the start of the Lunar New Year, which is represented each year by a different Zodiac animal in the Chinese Lunar calendar. This year is the Year of the Rat, which is the first of all of the Zodiac animals so the Year of the Rat is considered a year of new beginnings and renewals.

According to legend, the Jade Emperor said that the order of the Zodiac animals would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party. The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride on his back but just as they arrived at the finish line, the Rat jumped down and landed ahead of the Ox, becoming first.

The above legend shows how, in Chinese culture, the Rat is considered clever, quick thinkers and successful. In Chinese culture, the Rat is also seen as a symbol of wealth, so the Year of the Rat is meant to be a strong, prosperous and lucky year.

All of us at the BC Epilepsy Society wish a Happy Lunar New Year to all those who celebrate it and hope that everyone has a strong, prosperous and lucky year!