The U.S. Census reports at least 3.6 million of the 14.9 million Asian-Americans are of Chinese descent. This week, they're celebrating.Unlike the West's Gregorian calendar created to correspond with religious events rather than astronomical time, the Chinese mark time's passage by lunar cycle. Each year begins on a different date in January or February and comes full circle in 60 years - five 12-year cycles.

This new year fell on Feb. 14, beginning a 15-day celebration (even in China most are back to work after a week). Each day has its own commemoration - special dinners, thanksgiving and prayer, visits to elders and other relatives, and fireworks. Large cities here and most in China hold kick-off parades with colorful costumes and everywhere red, a symbol of luck.In honor of a new year debts will be paid; houses cleaned; doors painted; old wounds healed, forgiven and forgotten. Children get money in red envelopes. Tradition calls for new clothes and hairstyles.

New life, new hope.Each year corresponds with a zodiac animal. This (and each 12th year preceding and following) is the year of the Tiger, and the Chinese year 4707.

The birth year animal is not the only personality determinant; each person also has an "inner animal" of the birth month. The last digit of birth year adds an element (metal, water, wood, fire, earth) and either yin (odd) or yang (even), making Chinese astrology much more complex than the popularly perceived one-animal association.Tigers are hard to miss. They're described as best in winter, magnetic, passionate, and dramatic. So 2010 is forecasted to bring intensity for everyone; change and travel for Tigers.

Tigers are also brave, generous, honest, and entertaining, but can be indecisive, stubborn, and occasionally mean. Yet they stand firmly by their friends."He who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount." - Chinese proverb

Sholeh Patrick wishes everyone 'Xin nian kuai-le.' E-mail sholehjo@hotmail.com.