"What?!" you might be thinking. No, we're not crazy... we know it's February and New Year's was over a month ago. But today millions of people around the world are celebrating the Lunar New Year (also known as the Chinese New Year). So we wanted to take this chance to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year!
Chinese astrology includes 12 primary signs in the form of animals that rotate every year - 2013 is the Year of the Snake. While snakes are often reviled and many are worried of what is to come in 2013, it is predicted that the snake will bring many opportunities for steady economic growth.
For Momo, Chinese New Year is her favorite holiday, especially since her ancestry was highly coveted by Emperors of China. Pugs often lived in the most luxurious atmospheres and at times were even guarded by soldiers! Often called, Lo-sze or “Foo Dog”, breeders would look for wrinkles or markings that resembled Chinese characters. Here’s a little more background from Pug-World.com about our loveable pugs.
It is well established that the breed appeared first in China and were literally a “lap-Dog”. The Pug or (Lo-Chiang as they were called in china at that time) where highly prized by Chinese nobility. It has been said that the breed dates back as far as 1600BC, although many say the figure to be 700BC. Either way pugs have history.
Pugs were owned by royalty in China and were often given to royal courtiers as highly treasured gifts.
The Pug still carries its royal breeding and heritage with it to this day in the way that they hold themselves.
The history of the pug in china can also be seen in today’s Chinese symbols and ornamentation. The pug is often referred to as “The Lion Dog” and the resemblance of the pug can still be seen in the decretive Chinese dragons and lions used in festivals.
No wonder Momo loves the holiday! From all of us at P.L.A.Y., we wish you a very happy and prosperous Year of the Snake!
