Happy Chinese New Year. February 14, 2010 marked not only Valentine’s Day but also the Chinese New Year. In keeping with tradition, this is the year of the metal Tiger. (How appropriate that Tiger Print was just launched!)

According to a wide variety of online sources, the metal Tiger is passionate, honest, hard working, brave and modest. (This is sounding better and better.) Those born in the year of the Tiger are thought to be naturally forgiving and dedicated to family and friends.

Therefore, the Year of the Tiger is meant to be one that is dynamic and powerful; full of changes and social disorder.

The start of the New Year is based on the lunar calendar, so the day changes from year-to-year. The Chinese calendar rotates on a 12-year basis. Each year follows a pre-determined order for the animals; rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Previous years of the tiger include: 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, and 1998.

Additionally, each year encompasses one of five elemental signs: water, wood, fire, earth and metal. The year of metal is supposed to see persistence, strength and determination. Combined, the metal Tiger is often depicted as the White Tiger.

The Year of the Tiger ends on February 2, 2011, when the Year of the Rabbit begins.