Sunday February 10th is the date of the Chinese New Year in 2013. The exact date on which the new year begins varies from year to year and can occur between the middle of January and the middle of February. The Oriental year is based on the cycle of the moon. The Chinese calculate the beginning of their year according to the second New Moon following the Winter Solstice.

Chinese astrology uses twelve animals to represent the nature and character of those born in each year. They are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The year that is just ending was the year of the Dragon.

This new year will be the Year of the Snake. The Snake is the sign of wisdom. People born in the year of the snake are thought to be charismatic and charming and are not easily ignored. They are wise and shrewd in business. They are clever, serious types with an appreciation for the arts and music.

The New Year is an important date in the Chinese calendar involving much celebration. London’s Chinese New Year Celebrations are the largest outside of Asia.

With Valentine’s day coming up, love and romance is in the air. No doubt there will be a few marriage proposals made and accepted on the 14th of this month. So, we’ve been thinking, this day isn’t just about red roses and chocolates, for some couples it can be the first step on a long journey together.

After the excitement of a wedding and the early days of marriage, the months together become a year – it’s your first anniversary. There are traditional symbols attached to each year for wedding anniversaries with gifts being given in the shape of them. Paper gifts are traditional for the first year, so tickets for a show or a book of love poems might be in order for an intimate celebration for the two of you.

If all goes well and you “live happily ever after” as they say, the years then start to fly by, of course they have their highs and lows, for richer for poorer, for better for worse! Before you know it, you realise you’ve been married for a significant number of years. Then it’s time to celebrate in a big way again with friends and family, just like you did on the day of your wedding.

Party Manors has houses to rent that offer accommodation for large groups, they are ideal venues for a party to celebrate a landmark anniversary such as silver, golden or ruby weddings. We work with you to arrange a very special celebration, from specialist catering to entertainment ideas and any extra special little details. Have a look at our Pinterest board for some inspiration. You can find very detailed information about the symbols associated with each anniversary and their history here.

If you are looking to rent a house during February half term this year, you may just have found it. We are offering this luxurious manor to hire to sleep up to 20 at a reduced price. For a three night weekend from 8th – 11th February the cost is now only £3,500 making a saving of £1,000 off the usual price of £4,500. To hire the same house for the week will also save you £1,000 off the regular price of £7,500 at just £6,500. To find out more about this property click here or telephone us on 07966 443 536.