h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

of the Horse, that is. My wanderings include 3 years in Shanghai and 10 years in Hong Kong. The bleak midwinter here in north Lincolnshire could really use some fireworks.

and happy new year to you too.

I'm so glad you didn't write (as I wouldn't have expected from you ) happy "chinese" new year - as it's Korean new year too among others.

One thing did surprise me yesterday. My boss told me that it's the year of the Blue Horse (he's Korean) but a Chinese friend told me that it's the year of the Jade (or green) horse. I didn't know they had different things

There is such a thing as blue jade ()

yes, and other colours, I saw some gorgeous pieces last time I was in Korea.
I'm probably going to have to research it (after all I have an essay due so procrastination is in order)

Lots of things in the old calendar multiples of 12 (hours, months)and multiplied by five (earth, fire, water, wood and metal) means it's like the old Babylonian calendar. To me (and most of my Chinese friends)this is the year of the Wooden Horse (shades of Troy).
Having gone through the 60 year cycle, and hired a lovely bar in Hong Kong to celebrate, I'm now well into my second childhood.