The Year of the Dog

At the outset, Pacy introduces a variety of symbols that hold great importance in Taiwanese culture. At the Lunar New Year meal, Pacy’s dad exclaims, “Everything we eat tonight has a special meaning [...] These vegetables mean wealth” (5). Although they are eating the meal for sustenance, the significance behind each type of food is important, and most of the foods represent wealth and prosperity for the upcoming year. Additionally, they receive red envelopes, hong bao, which are filled with money. These same envelopes, along with eggs dyed red, are also significant in the celebration of Albert’s birth. The color red is representative of riches and good fortune and is often the most prominent color in such celebrations.

Along with these emblems of prosperity, each year of the Chinese zodiac is assigned an animal that is symbolic of specific traits; the Year of the Dog represents loyalty, honesty, and truth. As Pacy’s mom tells the girls, “They say the Year of the Dog is the year for friends and family. But […] [t]he Year of the Dog is also for thinking. Since dogs are also honest and sincere, it’s a good year to find yourself” (2).