Chinese New Year of the Sheep

The Chinese new year is rich with traditions, one of which is to associate each new year with a specific animal. There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and trends for the coming year are predicted to align with the traits of that year's animal.

2015 is the Year of the Sheep, though sometimes referred to as the year of the goat or ram. After a runaway Year of the Horse in 2014, the Year of the Sheep promises a calmer, more secure and predictable time. This year can be a very auspicious — though not dramatic — year for small business. Sheep years bring success to those who use intelligence, creativity, tenacity and teamwork over sheer force or dynamism.

The Year of the Sheep is also the eighth year of the twelve-year Chinese zodiac cycle. In Asian culture, eight is a lucky number (as seven is considered a lucky number in Western culture) — so this is expected to be a year of particular good fortune.