2015 is the Year of the Goat, but you may see it referred to as the "Year of the Sheep" or "Year of the Ram".

It is China's most important holiday and the longest national holiday in China, spanning a total of 15 days, and New Year's Day is the most important date in the Chinese calendar.

The first 3 days of the new year are a statutory holiday but usually most people will have the time from New Year's Eve to the 6th day of the new year off from work.

Although China has used the Gregorian calendar since 1912, Chinese New Year is based on the ancient Chinese lunar calendar, and it falls on the second new moon after winter solstice - somewhere between January 21st and February 19th, meaning it changes from year to year.

The Goat's Personality: Calm, Gentle...

People born in a year of the Goat are generally believed to be gentle mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic, amicable, and brimming with a strong sense of kindheartedness and justice.

They have very delicate thoughts, strong creativity, and perseverance, and acquire professional skills well. Although they look gentle on the surface, they are tough on the inside, always insisting on their own opinions in their minds. They have strong inner resilience and excellent defensive instincts.

Though they prefer to be in groups, they do not want to be the center of attention. They are reserved and quiet, most likely because they like spending much time in their thoughts.

Goats like to spend money on fashionable things that give them a first class appearance. Although goats enjoy spending money on the finer things in life, they are not snobbish.

Join Madison Adoption Associates as we welcome the Year of the Ram!

Our Lunar New Year Celebration is open to all adoptive families.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

2:00-5:00 p.m.

Limestone Presbyterian Church

Klair Hall

3201 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE

The free event will include games, crafts and entertainment. Guests are asked to bring a "pot luck" item for the luncheon, which will be served at 2:30 p.m.

Madison Adoption Associates

Waiting Children born in a Year of the Goat

Mara's referral is available for review on the MAA website.

Eva, Daphne, Andy & Jack have been selected to participate in MAA's 2015 Summer Hosting Program. Families living in Illinois and Missouri are needed as host families. Please contact [email protected] for more information.