Bring in the Rat!

Do you smell a rat? Chinese people around the world are preparing for a year with rodents. And they're not even calling in the exterminator.

Forget Pisces or Capricorn, Leo or Sagittarius, we're talking Eastern zodiac here. The Chinese calendar dates back to the time of Emperor Huang Ti, and each year is represented by one of twelve animals. While the western calendar marks January 1 as the day to bring in the New Year, in the Chinese calendar, which takes both lunar and solar into account, the holiday falls about a month or so later. This year, it's February 7.

So goodbye pig, hello rat! Every Chinese New Year is cause for celebration. But this year may have some surprises up its sleeve. According to an article by Kent Ewing, printed in the Asia Times, we may be in for a wild ride. "When predicting how the coming year will unfold, soothsayers consider not only the animal sign but also the five earthly elements that rotate through the Chinese astrological system: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. This year's Rat is represented by earth sitting on top of water. The earth represents stability, but since it is sitting on water that stability is weak and the two elements are in conflict. So watch out: the foundation of this next year is shaky, creating a degree of unpredictability. This could mean anything from a bold surprise in the US presidential election to a global economic meltdown."

In a nutshell, a year governed by the rat means a year of change. In fact, astrologers across Asia have been predicting everything from a Barack Obama upset, to a tsunami, to a more stable U.S. real estate market.

We say, there's no use in worrying. Ring in the new year! Open up your doors and windows – it's supposed to let in good luck. Share a whole fish – it symbolizes togetherness and abundance. Consume a chicken – legs, head, and feet should be prominently displayed. Eat uncut noodles to celebrate long life. Tuck a few bills into a red envelope and slip it into your child's pocket for good luck. Or just do as many in the Chinese community do – go out for a big feast. The New Year marks the biggest day of the year in terms of sheer blissful gluttony.

For a quick home dish even kids can make, try this:

Instant Egg Drop Soup

1 small package instant Oriental-style noodles, chicken or veggie flavor
1/4 cup frozen peas
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 green onion,sliced
1/4 tsp roasted sesame oil (optional)

Cook noodles according to package directions. While stirring, add peas and egg to the pot when noodles are 1 minute away from being ready. Remove from heat and stir in green onion and sesame oil. Serves 1 or 2, immediately!