2016: The Year of the Monkey and What it Means

For much of the world, January 1 heralded the beginning of yet another New Year. In an era where global interconnectedness is more immediate than ever, it can be easy to forget that not every country strictly adheres to the Gregorian or “Western” calendar.

Chances are you’ve heard of the Chinese New Year (also known as the Spring Festival). You may also know that each year is associated with an animal from the Chinese Zodiac. If so, you’re off to a good start! But did you also know that the Chinese New Year is the also most important annual event in China?

In 2016, the first day of the Chinese New Year is Monday, 8th February. This will begin the Year of the Monkey. Celebrations of fireworks and lantern-lighting will mark the New Year in major cities all across China.

A Bit of Background

Understanding a bit about the history and tradition surrounding the Chinese New Year can prove incredibly valuable in building and furthering your supplier relationships in 2016.

Scholars believe the Chinese calendar dates back to the Han Dynasty, sometime between 206 BC and 220 AD. The calendar itself runs on a 12-year cycle, where each year is connected to an animal found on the Chinese Zodiac. Each animal personifies specific qualities. For example, people born in the Year of the Monkey are thought to be especially intelligent or witty. Furthermore, each animal is associated with one of five elements: earth, metal, wood, fire, and water; collectively known as “Wu Xing.”

Deconstructing the Monkey

Individuals who are (or were) born in the Year of the Monkey are considered intelligent and have engaging personalities. These are characteristics that are desirable in supplier relationships no matter the year, but given the emphasis on the monkey this year, be thankful for those sharp, gregarious suppliers!

With that said, keep in mind that it may not be the wisest move to comment on a supplier’s “improved intelligence this year” while speaking with them! Keep in mind we’re still talking about astrological information, and some people may give it more credence than others.   

The Bottom Line

In anticipation of the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Monkey, now is a great time to get in touch with your suppliers. Talk with them and convey your needs for the next several months. Let them know that you are aware of their upcoming holiday and wish them the best for the coming year. Establishing this dialog reminds your supplier what your goals and needs are, and simultaneously demonstrates respectful social and cultural understanding of this time of year.

What the Chinese New Year Means for your Supplier

It’s the most important Chinese holiday of the year and one your supplier is likely looking forward to with great anticipation – Chinese New Year.

The Chinese New Year, known as Spring Festival in China, marks the beginning of the Chinese calendar year, the end of winter, and the first solar term of the Chinese year. This momentous cultural occasion is celebrated with festival that begins on the first day of the first month in the New Year and ends on the 15th day of the year. During this time, migrant workers return home and gather for huge family reunions during which they catch up, feast, and wish each other peace and happiness.

Given China’s significant internal travelers, special arrangements are made with the area’s various methods of transportation, including buses, railways, and airlines, beginning two weeks before the holidays. This time period is called “chunyun,” which literally means “transportation during Spring Festival.” It is the world’s largest annual migration, and it could impact your company’s bottom line if you’re unprepared.

Given the massive relocation of its people, traveling to China during its New Year can be a fruitless endeavor. Suppliers may be difficult to reach or completely inaccessible beginning two weeks prior to the holiday as their workforces head home. During the Chinese New Year, many offices will be closed. Factories may operate on different time schedules -- closing early in the day and reopening much later than usual. Some may even close the week before the New Year and remain closed for the duration of February.

If your company is reliant on Chinese suppliers, you need a plan to ensure your business continues to operate during the holiday.

Mawson Global, a leader in global sourcing, can work with your organization and its Chinese providers to ensure everyone is on the same schedule during the holiday season. The Mawson Global team understands the importance of this holiday to Asian suppliers, and it can help your organization avoid delays and disruptions to its business before, during, and after the Chinese New Year.

The Western holiday season may be over, but for our Eastern friends, the celebrations are just around the corner. This year, the festivities kick off right at the end of January. Make sure your suppliers can celebrate one of their favorite times of year and your business continues to run smoothly during the month February – contact Mawson Global for assistance with your global sourcing, marketing, and commerce solutions.

The Year of the Sheep/Goat & What It Means

You’ve probably heard a bit about the Chinese New Year. It falls on a different date to most other countries and is often discussed in conjunction with an animal. But how much do you really know about it?

For example, did you know that understanding this holiday is especially important for your business relationships?

Each year is represented by a different animal. And knowing what that animal represents means the difference between an embarrassing faux pas’ and a stronger relationship with your supplier.

This year, Tuesday 19th February marks the end of the year of the horse and the beginning of the year of the sheep, goat or ram. Lanterns will be lit and fireworks set off throughout China’s many great cities.

Read on to get the inside info you need to help your business relationships stay strong and productive over this important holiday.

What is the Chinese New Year?

First up, it’s good to know a bit about how the Chinese New Year is different to the Judeo-Christian holiday, and that means a very short history lesson. The Chinese calendar is thought to date back to the Han dynasty which was in power between 206BC and 220AD.

The calendar is a 12-year cycle with each year connected to an animal of the Chinese Zodiac. The zodiac, which is known as “Sheng Xiao”, features the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig, with the wheel going round in that particular order.

Each animal is associated with one of five elements, earth, metal, wood, fire and water which are known collectively as “Wu Xing”. This coming new year is the year of the sheep, goat or ram depending on who you speak with, but the principles of these animals are essentially the same.

What it means for the business world

With the introduction of each new year in the Chinese calendar, there are different associations, qualities or characteristics based on the particular animal and element. If you know what these are, you’re in a better position to relate with and otherwise impress your Chinese business relations.

This year is especially important for global sourcing and supply chain management in general, because it’s a year when people will take extra care about what they do.

In a related tale from Chinese folklore, a boy named Lei who owned a large flock of sheep found a hole in his fence, but neglected to fix it. Shortly thereafter, Lei realised his flock was dwindling until only one sheep remained. Only after Lei fixed as a whole could his herd grow once again.

The moral of the story is, “don’t leave for tomorrow what can be done today and guard your assets carefully”. Translate this into a business context, and you can expect people to be especially vigilant when making business decisions.

Other background info that’s good to know

People born in the year of the sheep or goat are thought to be mild-mannered, gentle or even shy individuals who are stable, amicable and sympathetic with a strong sense of justice and kindheartedness.

Given the esoteric nature of astrological information, don’t go overboard trying to impress your suppliers with your zodiac knowledge because information sources do tend to conflict with one another.

One more point worth knowing is that, in spite of the apparently amicable characteristics of those born in goat or sheep years, multiple newspapers published coverage about how many Chinese families were avoiding becoming pregnant this year as babies born during the year of the sheep are thought to be less happy. If you know one of your suppliers has a new addition to the family due, it may be best not to talk about it, just in case.

The key takeaway

Ultimately, the key takeaway is that people will be especially vigilant when protecting assets this year. When involving yourself in business discussions, make sure you do it in such a way so as to communicate your mutual concern and appreciation for any time and/or money investment on the part of your suppliers and business partners. Oh, and it’s best to wait until early March before trying to close any major deals  as the holiday can be celebrated for up to two weeks.

The Year of the Horse and What It Means

The recent Chinese New Year has ushered in the Year of the Horse. This year’s Chinese New Year fell on Jan. 31, bringing the Year of the Snake to an end. Chinese New Year is China’s most significant holiday, kicking off a two-week period of celebrations around the country. Here’s a closer look at how the Chinese lunar calendar works, and what to expect in the year ahead.

China’s calendar is believed to have originated during the Han dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD). It’s a 12-year cycle, and each year is connected to one of the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac. The zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, features the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal is also associated with a specific element, such as fire, wood or water.

Different years carry different qualities, and understanding this can help you relate more effectively to your Chinese supplier. The Year of the Horse is generally regarded as a positive year, with people looking forward to success and happy events. The horse is a good omen in Chinese culture, and this carries through to the zodiac interpretation.

The Year of the Horse is particularly positive in the business world. It’s connected with leadership, decision making, and taking decisive action. There’s a focus on the successful conclusion to current ventures, and finishing things ahead of time. Profits are assured. The overtones of the year are happiness, good health and prosperity. The Year of the Horse is considered an excellent time to launch new things and an advantageous time to travel.

People born under the Year of the Horse are also believed to have many of these traits. They’re strong leaders with high levels of energy. Horses stay active, always seeking out new challenges and approaching life with an energetic zeal. They’re also natural performers and great with people. Whether it’s cultivating a one-on-one relationship or taking center stage, people born in the Year of the Horse are natural leaders, sales professionals and communicators.

The Chinese calendar offers a unique perspective. For companies doing business with China, it’s helpful to take the time to get to know the system and its implications for the year ahead. If you’re ready to connect with sourcing partners in China, contact Mawson Global today for assistance with your global sourcing needs.

What the Chinese New Year Means to Your Supplier

It’s the most important Chinese holiday of the year and one your supplier is likely looking forward to with great anticipation – Chinese New Year.

The Chinese New Year, known as Spring Festival in China, marks the beginning of the Chinese calendar year, the end of winter, and the first solar term of the Chinese year. This momentous cultural occasion is celebrated with festival that begins on the first day of the first month in the New Year and ends on the 15th day of the year. During this time, migrant workers return home and gather for huge family reunions during which they catch up, feast, and wish each other peace and happiness.

Given China’s significant internal travelers, special arrangements are made with the area’s various methods of transportation, including buses, railways, and airlines, beginning two weeks before the holidays. This time period is called “chunyun,” which literally means “transportation during Spring Festival.” It is the world’s largest annual migration, and it could impact your company’s bottom line if you’re unprepared.

Given the massive relocation of its people, traveling to China during its New Year can be a fruitless endeavor. Suppliers may be difficult to reach or completely inaccessible beginning two weeks prior to the holiday as their workforces head home. During the Chinese New Year, many offices will be closed. Factories may operate on different time schedules -- closing early in the day and reopening much later than usual. Some may even close the week before the New Year and remain closed for the duration of February.

If your company is reliant on Chinese suppliers, you need a plan to ensure your business continues to operate during the holiday.

Mawson Global, a leader in global sourcing, can work with your organization and its Chinese providers to ensure everyone is on the same schedule during the holiday season. The Mawson Global team understands the importance of this holiday to Asian suppliers, and it can help your organization avoid delays and disruptions to its business before, during, and after the Chinese New Year.

The Western holiday season may be over, but for our Eastern friends, the celebrations are just around the corner. This year, the festivities kick off right at the end of January. Make sure your suppliers can celebrate one of their favorite times of year and your business continues to run smoothly during the month February – contact Mawson Global for assistance with your global sourcing, marketing, and commerce solutions.

What the Chinese New Year Means to Your Supplier

It’s the most important Chinese holiday of the year and one your supplier is likely looking forward to with great anticipation – Chinese New Year.

The Chinese New Year, known as Spring Festival in China, marks the beginning of the Chinese calendar year, the end of winter, and the first solar term of the Chinese year. This momentous cultural occasion is celebrated with festival that begins on the first day of the first month in the New Year and ends on the 15^th day of the year. During this time, migrant workers return home and gather for huge family reunions during which they catch up, feast, and wish each other peace and happiness.

Given China’s significant internal travelers, special arrangements are made with the area’s various methods of transportation, including buses, railways, and airlines, beginning two weeks before the holidays. This time period is called “chunyun,” which literally means “transportation during Spring Festival.” It is the world’s largest annual migration, and it could impact your company’s bottom line if you’re unprepared.

Given the massive relocation of its people, traveling to China during its New Year can be a fruitless endeavor. Suppliers may be difficult to reach or completely inaccessible beginning two weeks prior to the holiday as their workforces head home. During the Chinese New Year, many offices will be closed. Factories may operate on different time schedules -- closing early in the day and reopening much later than usual. Some may even close the week before the New Year and remain closed for the duration of February.

If your company is reliant on Chinese suppliers, you need a plan to ensure your business continues to operate during the holiday.

Mawson Global, a leader in global sourcing, can work with your organization and its Chinese providers to ensure everyone is on the same schedule during the holiday season. The Mawson Global team understands the importance of this holiday to Asian suppliers, and it can help your organization avoid delays and disruptions to its business before, during, and after the Chinese New Year.

The Western holiday season may be over, but for our Eastern friends, the celebrations are just around the corner. This year, the festivities kick off on Feb. 10. Make sure your suppliers can celebrate one of their favorite times of year and your business continues to run smoothly during the month February – contact Mawson Global for assistance with your global sourcing, marketing, and commerce solutions.