Chinese New Year is here. It’s the longest and most important festival in the Chinese calendar, and which this year arrives on February 14.

Twelve animal names are used in the Chinese lunar calendar representing a 12-year cycle. This year's animal, the Tiger, is the third in the cycle, following the Rat and the Ox. Tiger is pronounced “Hu” in Mandarin.
Nobody knows for sure why animal names were used, or why 12 animals were selected, with others forever excluded from the list.
A Tiger's appeal is universal. It has a powerful and beautiful physique as well as extraordinary markings on its forehead. They strongly resemble the Chinese character Wang for "King".
The tiger, the king of animals, is revered in Chinese culture. Some Chinese believe that if you have a tiger in your family - that is, if someone in your family is born in the Year of the Tiger – then you are protected.

People are seen to take on certain qualities from the animal that governs their birth year. A Tiger is seen to be a gifted communicator. It seeks true love and is the ultimate humanitarian. Tigers are productive, enthusiastic, independent, engaging, dynamic and honourable.

So, 2010 is going to be a year of movement when people can muster up the enthusiasm and dedication to do something they have always wanted to do. This could be furthering their career, finding true love, helping those around them, spending more time with their loved ones, learning how to surf, or becoming financially independent.

The characteristics of the Tiger are ones that property investors must possess for success. They have to be communicative and able to describe exactly what they want in a property. They must be enthusiastic about their investment and not allow fear to engulf their mind and affect their decision.

The Tiger can also be a bit hot-headed and stubborn. These are characteristics that property investors need to keep in check. They need to use their productive qualities to research and get to know the property market so they can get the most out of their investment, without making rookie mistakes. Property investors must always invest with their heads, and not with their hearts.

Kung Hei Fat Choi (in Cantonese), or Gong Xi Fa Cai (in Mandarin) means "Wishing You A Prosperous Year”. This is also our wish to you from McCarthy Group as we enter the Year of the Tiger.

If you would like to learn more and discuss how McCarthy Group can assist you, click here.