According to the Chinese zodiac, those born during a Year of the Rat are "Rats," and will experience good fortune during every Year of the Rat during their lifetime. In other words, if you were born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 or 1996, this is your lucky year.
Rats are known for their gossipy natures. They're very thrifty with their money and are generally very fortunate.
I, myself, am a Snake, which means I'll have to wait 5 more years before it's MY YEAR.
Recently a reader asked about caring for Lucky Bamboo, a popular houseplant often given as a gift to bestow good fortune, according to Chinese tradition. It's also a component of feng shui principles. In honor of the Year of the Rat, which officially begins today, I'm passing along some tips to ensure we all maximize our luck.
Technically, these houseplants - usually several stalks tied together with string or ribbon - aren't bamboos at all. They're Dracaena sanderiana, relatives of the lily and native to West Africa. They go by the common name bamboo for reasons unknown.
It's an easy houseplant to grow, and it requires little care. Just remove the string to keep it from choking the plant as it grows and be sure it gets plenty of indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause yellowing of the stalks.
If your plant came in a pot filled with tiny pebbles, simply replenish the water as it evaporates, keeping it at about an inch from the base of the stalks. Change the water completely from time to time, say once every week to 10 days, to keep it clean. If it's planted in soil, which is less likely, water it when the soil surface becomes dry.
Using chlorinated, fluorinated tap water might cause the stalks to turn yellow, so let the water sit in a cup overnight at room temperature before watering. This will allow the chemicals to dissipate. You can use spring water instead, if you prefer, but that can get pricey.
And keep the bamboo away from pets; it's toxic.
Enter your birthdate into the Chinese Zodiac Calculator to discover which animal represents you.
