Happy Lunar New Year – Friday, February 16!
In the Chinese zodiac, 2018 is The Year of the Dog. The Year of the Earth Dog, to be exact. What could this mean for you?
According to the Chinese, a person’s characteristics are decided by their birth year’s zodiac animal sign and natural element. If you’re born in a Dog year, you’re a Dog. Holding the eleventh position in the Chinese zodiac, Dogs are known to be loyal and honest, amiable and kind, cautious and prudent. Even though Dogs are not known for their communication skills, if you’re born in an Earth Dog year (one of the five elements), you’re an Earth Dog (as opposed to a Gold or a Fire Dog). Earth Dogs are actually known for their communicative, serious, responsible nature. Woo. A couple of famous Earth Dogs are Madonna and Michael Jackson.
Lucky For You
If you’re wondering if you are a Dog (in the Chinese zodiac sense, anyway), Years of the Dog include 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 and beyond. Oddly enough, 2018 is an unlucky year for Dogs. That’s because there’s a Chinese astrological myth that says people will end up offending Tai Sui, the God of Age, during the year of their birth sign (also known as Ben Ming Nian – ???). So, they are believed to have bad luck in this year.
Fortunately, Dogs can look forward to a few lucky things in 2018:
- Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9 and numbers containing them (like 34 and 49)
- Lucky days: the 7th and 28th of every Chinese lunar month
- Lucky colors: red, green and purple
- Lucky flowers: rose, cymbidium orchids
- Lucky directions: east, south and northeast
- Lucky months: the 6th, 10th and 12th Chinese lunar months
Got All That?
Who doesn’t need a fun excuse to add to their jewelry collection? Perhaps a vintage dog charm or antique pooch broach will bring you good luck. The myth of luck charms is also full of superstitions and cultural beliefs from all over the world. Here are just a few:
- Elephants represent power, stability and wisdom. A symbol of good luck in India, elephants are considered sacred to Hindis and wearing elephant charms is a popular fashion statement.
- Pigs symbolize good fortune in Germany, going back to the Middle Ages when owning one illustrates wealth and prosperity.
- Beetles are associated with rebirth and regeneration, new creation and eternal life. Ancient Egyptians wear beetle jewelry to protect themselves from evil.
- Dolphins bring a good omen and are a symbol of protection in many cultures, especially in seafaring nations. They say wearing a dolphin pendant not only protects you, it keeps you on the right track toward your goals.
- Third-Eye or Nazar amulets protect against the “evil eye.” A popular good luck charm in Turkey, Armenia, Romania, Albania, Iran and Afghanistan, a traditional nazar is handmade from blue, white, light blue or black glass. Rumor has it when a third-eye cracks, it has done its job of protecting you.
You know, a beautiful custom jewelry piece featuring a message written in Chinese characters could be stunning, too.
Want to help create a personalized lucky charm for your or your loved one? Ask us about our Custom Jewelry Gift Experience.
Indy Facets – Everyone’s Private Jeweler
Indy Facets seamlessly blends the expertise and full service of a traditional jewelry store with the value and convenience of a personal jeweler experience. We give you the face-to-face interaction with an expert that you deserve, in a private setting where you can relax and feel comfortable. Owner/Designer Shaun Goodyear and his team have earned an excellent reputation as everyone’s private jeweler for engagement rings, custom design, investment grade diamonds, luxury Swiss timepieces, estate jewelry, jewelry repair and the highest level of customer service, available to you from an onsite, state-of-the-art Custom Design Studio and Gemological Laboratory by private appointment only. You are guaranteed a unique, fun and exciting experience without the hype, pressure, judgment or uncertainty associated with other jewelry shopping options. We schedule appointments at your convenience, and are usually available evenings and weekends, too. Call 317-810-1665 for your private appointment or schedule online, indyfacets.com/schedule.