Taoist Arts Center New York:
Chinese Philosophy

On these pages you will find articles and research on the healing effects of tai chi, chi kung (qigong), Taoist Meditation, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Doctors and medical researchers continue to investigate the effects of these arts on conditions including diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, pain, and stress management. This page presents a selection of health articles along with others on Chinese philosophy and culture.

Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Meditation
Chinese Philosophy
Medicine & Research
 

Chinese Lunar New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival is the biggest celebration in Asia. It is a two week event featuring parades, parties, fireworks and fun. Older than Taoism and Buddhism, the celebration started as a way to deal with the quirks of nature and gained significance by its connection to mythology and metaphysics. .

According to legend, the celebrations began as a way to frighten a mythical beast called the Nian. On New Year's Eve, the Nian would come to harm people, animals and houses. After many years, folks found that the Nian was afraid of the color red, fire and loud sounds, and so to this day, people use lucky red talismans, set off firecrackers and make lots of noise on New Year. 

Ancient China was an agrarian society. seasons were important and the start of the growing season was an occasion for joy. The beginning of the year was based on the relationship between the sun, the moon, the earth and the stars. It was a two week celebration. It began on the 2nd new moon after the Winter solstice and though it could start as early as January 22nd, or as late as February 19th, it was always the beginning of preparations for spring.

Additional connections to the universe are seen in the merger of the 12 Animals of the Chinese zodiac and the 5 Essential Elements of nature with the individual years. Each of the 12 animals is connected to each of the elements, (ex. fire dog, water dog, wood dog, metal dog, earth dog) thereby creating a revolving sequence that repeats every 60 years.

According to tradition, whatever happens on the first day on the year will happen for the rest of the year. For a successful year, smile, eat good food, visit friends and practice tai chi, chi kung and meditation.

Here is information on the individual years.

2020 The Year of the Rat

2021 The Year of the Ox

2010 & 2022 The Year of the Tiger

2011 & 2023 The Year of the Rabbit

2012 & 2024 The Year of the Dragon

2013 & 2025 The Year of the Snake

2014 & 2026 The Year of the Horse

2015 & 2027The Year of the Sheep

2016 & 2028 The Year of the Monkey

2017 & 2029 The Year of the Rooster

2018 & 2030 The Year of the Dog

2019 & 2031 The Year of the Pig

The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig

The 5 Elements of the Universe: (essential phases of energy): fire, water, metal, wood and earth. 

The Taoist Arts Center New York offers Private and Group classes
in
Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Meditation.

Check out our Class Schedule.
 

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