Ben Ming Nian (Zodiac Year of Birth)

Ben Ming Nian is the Chinese Zodiac Birth Year, which refers to years sharing the same Chinese zodiac sign with one's birth year. 12 zodiac animal years are regarded as a cycle in Chinese lunar calendar, so every 12 years, people will encounter their Ben Ming Nian. In other words, when people are at the ages of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and even 84, they are actually experiencing their Chinese zodiac birth year. One person may go through seven to eight zodiac years in a life time.
 In folklore, it is a very popular superstition that people's zodiac year of birth is an unlucky year, so it is also called Threshold Years, which means a year with a lot of obstacles in life. Why is Ben Ming Nian considered ominous? It is said that starting from the Chinese New Year of one's year of birth, people will offend 'Tai Sui', a mysterious power or celestial body that could control people's fortune. Impacted by this power, people will suffer either exultation or misery during that year.
 Generally speaking, there are just more and greater changes in the Chinese zodiac year of birth than in other years, and people are likely to suffer misfortune and adversity such as disease, financial loss, extramarital affairs and disputes with others. However, Ben Ming Nian is not always ominous, for people are also offered challenges and opportunities. If they can take advantage of them, they will make great accomplishments. A change to one's fate to ensure the predomination of good fortune requires both efforts and a firm belief.
 To cope with the big rise and fall in one's Ben Ming Nian, it is unwise to make moves in career and life. In the first place, they should avoid starting a new business or making large-amount investment in case of any economic loss. Traveling far would also incur potential dangers. Moving house and getting married in one's Ben Ming Nian are all considered ominous. It is quite necessary to keep themselves modest and in low profile or else their relationships with people around would break up. In the meantime, they should keep themselves out of anything to do with their unlucky numbers, colors or directions. For unlucky signs, you can find detailed info on each Chinese zodiac animal page.
 

Although it seems that people in their Ben Ming Nian are surrounded by crisis, there are effective ways to diminish the negative impacts.

1. Dressing in Red
The most popular way to avoid miserable events is to wear red underwear, red waist belt and red socks, which are believed able to suppress the evil spirits. In case of being set up by bad guys, people can also get a pair of red shoe-pads, which may trample everything dishonorable.

However, these stuff must be purchased by families or friends. If the one buys those items themselves, the function will be greatly reduced. Due to Chinese people's special affection for red, thus redness has become the token of festivities, success, bravery, rightness, and prosperity.

2. Wearing Talismans
Talismans like jade bracelet and crystal necklace are also useful to defend personal safety. Jade, crystal and gold possess psychic power, which help to appeal to good luck. If these accessories designed in Pixiu image, it would be much more auspicious. Pixiu is a mythical creature who can bring people wealth and suppress the evil.

3. Blood Donation
It is said that people are more likely to suffer physical injuries in their zodiac year of birth. Apart from avoiding high-risk outdoor activities, they could also choose to make a blood donation to avoid the misfortunes.

4. Enshrining the God, Tai Sui
As the fortune of the whole year is controlled by Tai Sui, it would be better if people go to temples to worship the god. Hence, their career will be prospered and their life will also be smooth.

 Further Reading:
 Zodiac Story

 Zodiac Calculator

 Love Compatibility

 Zodiac Time

 Zodiac Years Chart