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ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT LUCKY FOOD: Garlic ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT DISH TO TRY: During the post-holiday lull between Christmas and New Year — when glittery wrapping paper still carpets the house — nothing is simpler and more soul-warming than a classic 40-clove garlic chicken roasting in the oven. If you’re looking to grow your wealth in 2023, start practicing making spring rolls — specifically, a garlic-heavy version with bean sprouts, coriander and spring onions. The lucky saying for eating spring rolls during the Lunar New Year is hwung-jin wan-lyang , which translates to “a ton of gold,” and repeating this while crunching into a perfectly golden, garlicky spring roll will assuredly help usher in a year of prosperity.

YEAR OF THE OX Born: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

If you have someone in your orbit who is always willing to go the extra mile for a loved one — a trustworthy, hardworking and dependable person — I’d wager a bet that they were born in the Year of the Ox. Diligence and stability are the calling cards of Oxen folk, which probably comes as no surprise, thanks to their ties to agriculture and the earth. They’ll hold steadfast to their commitments with an honest, quiet determination that’s rare in our modern era. ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT LUCKY FOOD: Eggplant ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT DISH TO TRY: Eggplant could grace your holiday menu as the showstopping ingredient in a vegetarian-friendly Provencal tian (a type of gratin) to impress the in-laws, or in a big bowl of cozy, tomato-rich pasta alla Norma to enjoy while you’re wrapping presents with friends. On the other hand, you could break out the wok to make red-braised Chinese eggplant, a chile-forward, garlicky vegan dish where thick slabs of eggplant serve as (delicious) sponges for a sticky-umami sauce. It works well as a crowd-pleasing main course or a potluck sleeper hit, all while bringing everyone a taste of good luck with its Lunar New Year-approved red hue.

YEAR OF THE TIGER Born: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

There’s no one more dynamic — for better or worse — than a person born in the Year of the Tiger, with enough fiery adventurousness, vigorous energy and rebellious spirit to lead a revolution. Despite being honest to a fault and just a tad impulsive, people are always drawn to Tigers for their underlying sense of justice and ability to fight for what they believe in. Beneath all that daring and bravado, though, lies an undercurrent of cuddly sensitivity, which Tigers should take great care to foster

through close relationships.

ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT LUCKY FOOD: Corn ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT DISH TO TRY: A heaping helping of corn pudding, or a butter-dappled hunk of crumbly cornbread would fit in well on your holiday plate, sure. But why not mix it up by making tiger prawns with sweet corn and chiles for dinner on a night you’re marathoning Hallmark Christmas movies?

YEAR OF THE RABBIT Born: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Oh, earnest, deep-feeling, artistic rabbits, 2023 is a year that’s in your sign, which means that you might experience quite the rollercoaster ride of highs and lows ( “fan tai sui” ) throughout its course. Nevertheless, your gentle kindness and sociability will ensure that even on the most ho-hum days, you understand that there’s grace to be gleaned from all situations — just make sure not to give in to your overly-analytical side. ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT LUCKY FOOD: Beef ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT DISH TO TRY: Go all out with tteokguk — “good luck Korean rice cake soup” — which comprises fall-off-the-bone brisket simmered with scallions and ginger. It’s traditionally eaten in Korea to begin the new year. And if a special occasion soup doesn’t speak to you, there’s always tried-and-true beef Wellington or prime rib to fall back on as a celebratory centerpiece.

YEAR OF THE SNAKE Born: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

The deepest thinkers in the Chinese zodiac, Snakes are known for their wise-beyond-their-years air, enigmatic nature and smooth sophistication. Those born in the Year of the Snake tend to trust their own instincts above the recommendations of others, and have a calm and orderly approach to dealing with even the stickiest issues. Be warned, though: Snakes tend to be somewhat distrustful and mysterious, so don’t be surprised if you’re always left wondering, “What do they actually think about me?”

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