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Southport welcomes in Chinese New Year - 4717
Report and photos by Patrick Trollope.

THE Empire Restaurant, on Nevill Street, in Southport, has welcomed in the Chinese New Year with the traditional Lion Dance and Kung Fu Display, that was held on the Eve of the Chinese New Year, 4 February 2019. The idea is that the lion's dance is performed to chase away ghosts and evil spirits and, since the monsters, ghosts, evil spirits and giants like Nian are afraid of loud noises, the dance has become a natural complement to the fire crackers' noise. Sadly, this year, the restaurant could not use fire crackers, hoping that drums, cymbals and the gong did the trick.

The video we took at the celebrations and captures the kung fu practitioners, from Liverpool Hung Gar Kung Fu which was established for 40 years, performing displays associated with traditional Chinese New Year ceremonies.

The event started outside, on Nevill Street, with the Lions waking up and then after a dance that combines art, history and kung fu moves, it proceeded to the climax of the outdoor display, the eating of the traditional lettuce and and "red envelope." These were hung above the door of the restaurant, as you will see on the video. The lettuce represents prosperity and when the Lion then 'spits' or 'scatters' lettuce leaves, after eating it, this is meant to symbolizes a fresh start for the new year and the spreading of good luck to all in attendance.

After the lions performed outside, the team them gave a quick demonstration of Kung Fu, followed by the procession moving inside. But before the Lions moved around the building, bringing joy and happiness to those within, they were fed orange, symbolic of good and other wealth and good fortune.

The papier-mâché headed man, who accompanies the Lion Dancers and has practical jokes played on him, is often representing the Jade Emperor. He can also represent 'The Monk,' a character symbolising wisdom and calm..

After the show, the Empire Restaurant's Manager said that they would like to thank Merseyside Police for their help as well as everyone who attended the event...

If you did not get to see this year's performance, why not consider coming to next year's celebrations at the Empire Restaurant!

Did you know? According to traditional Chinese belief, the lion signifies courage, stability and superiority?

Chinese Calendar 4717 Chinese Astrology...

PEOPLE who follow the Chinese zodiac believe that people this year should remember that it's important to remember not to be short sighted.

Pig / Boars have a beautiful personality and are blessed with good fortune in life. People born during the year of the Pig / Boar (including:- 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2019) are believed to be philanthropic and generous, but also disciplined and hard working.

This year's element is Earth, so people in a year of a Pig / Boar with a sign of Earth are social butterflies with friends from all walks of life. They tend to get a lot of support both in work and out of work. They have fortunate lives and nearly always find happiness, becoming successful later in life. However, they are not the most romantic of people. Earth Pig / Boar s might need help on the topic of romance.

What Does the Year of the Pig / Boar Bring for the Stock Market? Well this year's 'Feng Shui' predictions say? Unfortunately, it doesn't sound too good for the economy and the stock market in general, We should not be unduly worried, but overall, it looks like it's not an excellent time for investors.

The forecast is that the general economy will be gloomy. Oddly, spookily, this is looking back into history, the last Pig / Boar year was in 2007, was marked the start of the 'Financial Crisis' and in 1993 also markets plummeted... But what we should not be doing is fleeing from the stock market out of fear.

As we have the Metal this year as the main element, this brings fortitude to stay invested and even pick up shares on the cheap. Again, this has been shown in recent years, as investors who have been savvy enough to pick up some stocks every time the stock market fell in both 1993 to 2017, made market beating returns the following year.

This year, if investing, as the year is wood and earth, businesses within:- fashion, media, education and environmental sectors, should do very well. Sectors such as property, mining, insurance, and computer software may also see an uplift though out the Lunar year.

On a odd note.. Interestingly the Western Zodiac's financial forecast for 4717, the 'Year Of The Pig / Boar ' says that it may bring us some surprising twists and turns!  This is because of the position of Uranus (the planet of radical change) and as we are entering uncharted territory with Brexit.... This could prove interesting.... However, as Jupiter, the planet of abundance and good fortune, is at home in Sagittarius, until 2 December 2019; so there may be more opportunities to make money and see that money increase.  Lets hope this is the case!

Other things to note about this year…

► This year's celestial stem is:- jǐ.

► Lucky colours for pigs are:- Yellow, Grey and Brown.

► Lucky numbers:- 2, 5, 8

► Lucky mineral:- agate

► Lucky directions of auspiciousness:- South East or East.

► Lucky directions of wealth are:- North East.

► Lucky directions of love:- North.

► Unlucky colours are:- Blue and Green.

► Unlucky numbers are:- 1, 7, 9.

If you are born in the 'Year Of The Pig / Boar ' and looking at romance, remember to stay clear of other Pig / Boars and keep very clear of people born within a 'Year Of A Snakes,' within relationships, as this would lead to tension. But people bourn in a Year of the Pig / Boars are the most compatible with Tigers. The brave Tiger gives Pig / Boars the security they need. Also do not over look people who are born in the year of the Rabbit, as they will be attracted by your intelligence and warmth. The last of the good zodiac matches are Goats, as they hold many common interests and topics.

Why not see who your love interest should be for 2019, sorry.... 4717, via our:- 'Chinese Zodiac True Love Checker?' Also please do let us know how accurate it is... To have a go, click on here now!

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