The Libertarian: Lunar New Year & Valentines Special (February 25)

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Article by: WahankeTheGreat

CHINESE ZODIACS : YEAR OF THE SNAKE 

Happy Lunar New Year! In the Chinese Zodiac, we have just entered the year of the Snake. The Chinese Zodiac is based on the Lunisolar Calendar, which means it tries to follow both the solar year while also incorporating 12 lunar months into it. This means that some Lunisolar years are approximately 13 months instead of 12 months, go figure!

There are 12 zodiac animals which each correspond to a year. The story goes that the Jade Emperor of China wanted to start a zodiac to measure time, and so he held a race across a river to decide which animals would be a part of the zodiac and to determine their place on the calendar. They finished in the following order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. As part of the story, the Rat pushed their friend Cat into the water and so that Cat showed up too late to be a part of the zodiac, which is why cats and rats don’t get along.

In addition to the 12 animals, there are 5 elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The animals of the zodiac are naturally associated with these elements, and also the elements cycle throughout a 60 year period called a sexagenary cycle. Each animal in the zodiac will have a different element each time it comes up in the sexagenary cycle. For the current year, it is the year of the Snake and the element is wood.

So what does that all mean for you? Well like astrology, the more information you have the more you can potentially glean from your Chinese Zodiac animal and the Lunisolar year you were born in! I encourage you to look into it more if you wish, but for those of you who want to know what your personality is like based on the Zodiac, consult the information below (Find your birthday or someone’s you know in the ()’s bellow each animal to find the associated zodiac animal!):

Snake:
(Feb 17th 1988 – Feb 5th 1989, Jan 24th 2001 – Feb 11th 2002, Feb 10th 2013 – Jan 30th 2014, Jan 29th 2025 – Feb 16th 2026)

People born in the Year of the Snake are considered to be intelligent and cunning due to the way that they got across the river (by wrapping themselves around the Horse’s leg and jumping ahead of them to the finish line). Snakes enjoy luxuries and being pampered, and are highly independent. They get along best with Oxes, Roosters and Monkeys. Their personalities clash the most with Pigs and Tigers.

Rat:
(Feb 2nd 1984 – Feb 19th 1985,  Feb 19th 1996 – Feb 6th 1997,  Feb 7th 2009 – Jan 25th 2010, Jan 25th 2020 – Feb 11th 2021)

Rats are the first animal on the zodiac and are clever individuals. They took a ride on Ox’s back and leaped across the finish line to get first place. Those born in the Year of the Rat are good friends and are usually the creative types, however they can sometimes doubt themselves. Rats get along best with Dragons, Monkeys and Oxes. They should generally avoid Horses and Goats.

Ox:
(Feb 20th 1985 – Feb 8th 1986, Feb 7th 1997 – Jan 27th 1998, Jan 26th 2009 – Feb 13th 2010, Feb 12th 2021 – Jan 31th 2022)

Oxes are the dependable and loyal type, and they come second in the zodiac as they easily forded the river with their friends in tow. An Ox is also leader at heart and is destined to do good in OCS, however sometimes their loyalty and patience is to a fault. Oxes are usually friends with Rats, Roosters and Snakes. Those born in the Year of the Ox often butt heads with Horses and especially Goats like their Rat friends.

Tiger:
(Feb 9th 1986 – Jan 28th 1987, Jan 28th 1998 – Feb 15th 1999, Feb 14th 2010 – Feb 02th 2011, Feb 1st 2022 – Jan 21st 2023)

Tigers at their core are the types who enjoy adventure! This is reflected in the fact that they were the third animal to finish the Jade Emperor’s race. They are the warm and bubbly type of socialites who enjoy listening and comforting others. Tigers are able to spot problems on the horizon quite easily, but are not problem solvers themselves. Good friends of Tigers include Horses, Dogs and Pigs. Monkeys and Snakes do not get along with Tigers.

Rabbit:
(Jan 29th 1987 – Feb 16th 1988, Feb 16th 1999 – Feb 4th 2000, Feb 3rd 2011 – Jan 22th 2012, Jan 22th 2023 – Feb 9th 2024)

Rabbits are natural diplomats and are likely to find themselves in OISA. They are described as being affectionate and caring, trying to avoid conflict at all cost. While Rabbits naturally have a lot of friends, they tend to hate being the center of attention. Rabbits are closest friends with Pigs, Goats and Dogs. Rabbits can often find themselves in conflict with Roosters and Dragons.

Dragon:
(Feb 17th 1988 – Feb 5th 1989, Feb 5th 2000 – Jan 23rd 2001, Jan 23rd 2012 – Feb 9th 2013, Feb 10th 2024 – Jan 28th 2025)

Dragons are your a-type, happy go-lucky personalities with upper-middle management written all over them. Confident and hard-working, they inspire people they work with and love to be on every new project. While their energy is admirable, don’t try to get into a routine with a dragon because they will not like it! Dragons get along best with Rats, Monkeys and Roosters. Do not let a Dragon cross the paths of a Dog or Rabbit.

Horse:
(Jan 27th 1990 – Feb 14th 1991, Feb 12th 2002 – Jan 31th 2003, Jan 31st 2014 – Feb 18th 2015)

There is nobody more hard working than a Horse. Just like OJFD, Horses can take on a lot of different work at once and can work on multiple projects at the same time. Those born in the Year of the Horse are also expected to succeed at anything they do, but their one weakness is that they are hopeless romantics who fall in love easily. Horses tend to herd well will Tigers, Dogs and Goats. Keep Rats and Oxes away from the Horse’s stables.

Goat:
(Feb 15th 1991 – Feb 3rd 1992, Feb 01st 2003 – Jan 21st 2004, Feb 19th 2015 – Feb 7th 2016)

Goats are kind hearted and are good natured at heart. Considered elegant and artistic, Goats often find themselves in OPA. While they make good friends and enjoy family, they often find themselves worrying too much about various things. Goats find themselves closest to Rabbits, Pigs and Horses. Goats, just like their close friend Horses, also do not get along well with Rats and Oxes.

Monkey:
(Feb 4th 1992 – Jan 22nd 1993, Jan 22nd 2004 – Feb 8th 2005, Feb 8th 2016 – Jan 27th 2017)

The cleverest animal of the zodiac bunch are the Monkeys. Much like Dragons they are high achievers who are clever and are well liked by others. The Monkey’s downfall is their mischievous nature which gets them into trouble. The best friends of those born in the Year of the Monkey are usually  Monkeys tend to not get along well with Pigs and Tigers.

Rooster:
(Jan 23rd 1993 – Feb 9th 1994, Feb 9th 2005 – Jan 28th 2006, Jan 28th 2017 – Feb 15th 2018)

Roosters are prideful yet hard working individuals. They are known for their organization and time keeping skills, yet they react negatively to criticism and are outspoken to a fault. They often find themselves in OJSIG. Roosters get along well with Oxes, Dragons and Snakes. The mortal enemies of the Rooster are the Rabbit and Dog.

Dog:
(Feb 10th 1994 – Jan 30th 1995, Jan 29th 2006 – Feb 17th 2007, Feb 16th 2018 – Feb 4th 2019)

Dogs are highly loyal and faithful individuals who work for the service of others. They are good listeners and judges of character who try and find what is right and just. Those born in the Year of the Dog may find themselves inclined to work for OJAG. While they are trustworthy, much like Goats they tend to worry too much and hold grudges against those who betray them. Dogs will often find themselves friends with Rabbits, Horses and Tigers. Dogs do not get along with Dragons or Roosters.

Pig:
(Jan 31st 1995 – Feb 18th 1996,  Feb 18th 2007 – Feb 06th 2008, Feb 5th 2019 – Jan 24th 2020)

Last but not least is the pig. The pig was the last to cross the river in the story and be on the zodiac because it got distracted by finding a good meal to eat. Pig’s by their very nature are honest and kind people, and they love to share what they have with others (especially if it’s a good meal)!  However, pigs are also known to be gossipy and their homes can be messy at times. Pigs get along best with Rabbits, Goats and Tigers. Due to personality conflicts, Pigs do not get along as well with Snakes and Monkeys.

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Article by: WahankeTheGreat

RED ENVELOPES & TRADITIONS

It is one of the most infamous and tried and true traditions of the Chinese New Year: The Red Envelopes. I write it this way because there are two types of people in this world: those who have received a red envelope before for the lunar new year or other holidays, and those who have no idea what I am talking about. For those who have no idea about the red envelopes, this article is especially for you. However, those of you who may have received these before may not know all the history behind the gift of a red envelope full of cash, so you shouldn’t skip this reading either. You may just learn something new about the tradition.

Traditionally, giving somebody a red envelope in Chinese culture is a way of wishing someone good luck and good fortune. This isn’t exclusively tied to the Chinese New Year, and in fact red envelopes are given on other special occasions such as blessings, weddings, birthdays, graduations and other special events or times of the year. Simply put, if you want to wish someone special good luck, a red envelope is one of the ways to express that.

Many aspects of the red envelope are steeped in tradition and symbolism. One of the oldest stories tied to the red envelopes involved parents giving a child 8 coins to play with stay awake for Lunar New Year’s Eve so that an evil demon that targeted children who fell asleep wouldn’t bother their child. The child in the story ended up falling asleep, but was protected from the demon by the Eight Immortals of Chinese Mythology who were disguised as the coins. Some believe that as a hommage to that story, it has become tradition for adults and elders to give children in families red envelopes for good luck. There are also other stories regarding coins being made to ward off evil spirits that are tied to this tradition as well. Even the color and designs on the red envelope itself are tied to tradition and superstition. The color red is associated with good fortunes and also as warding of evil spirits.

The contents of the red envelope is often money in the form of paper bills instead of coins as it may have been in the past. It is considered customary to get new, crisp bills for red envelopes as giving a friend for a family member wrinkled or old bills is considered being in bad taste or form. The ending digit of the amount of money given should also be an even number (because odd numbers are commonly associated with funerals). It is also important to avoid giving monetary values containing any 4 in it (such as 4, 40, 44, 400, etc.) as the number 4 sounds similar to the word for death and is associated closely with it. If you want to make someone feel especially lucky, giving in a value that contains an 8 or multiple 8s as it is considered to bring good luck and prosperity.

When it comes to the lore and history of red envelopes, I think it is important to say that there are many traditions and customs that have evolved around the red envelope. This applies to all the different communities and cultures in Asia as well as their associated communities all around the world. Some of those traditions may involve different customs and symbolism, so if you do decide to give a red envelope or one of its many variations make sure to do your research to know you are giving a gift in good faith and in good taste.

In recent years, the red envelopes have even gone digital and it has also become a custom to send and receive them digitally online. With this in mind, have you thought about how you want to give your friends and family good luck for this upcoming new year? Do you want to give a traditional envelope full of cash, or maybe send someone on Habbo a red gift for good fortunes? No matter what you do, I wish you good luck and good fortune in the Year of the Snake.

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Article by: q-Thunder-q

Valentine’s Day Interviews

Interview with: hyemistarlight

How did you spend your Valentine’s Day?
It was just a regular day for me—working and taking care of some responsibilities.

Did you do anything special to celebrate (or not celebrate) Valentine’s Day?
We actually had a nice meal together on Monday since we both had the day off. It was just a simple but sweet moment as a couple.

Did you plan anything in advance, or was it more spontaneous?
We had planned to go to the cinema on Valentine’s Day, but I wasn’t feeling great, so we decided to postpone. It wasn’t really a Valentine’s-specific plan, more of a casual date idea.

Do you usually celebrate Valentine’s Day the same way every year? Why or why not?
Not really—I don’t think Valentine’s Day is that important. For me, every day is an opportunity to show appreciation for my loved ones, whether it’s my partner or my friends.

Interview with: finglebunt

How did you spend your Valentine’s Day?
Just like any other day—went to uni and hung out with my friends.

Did you do anything special to celebrate (or not celebrate) Valentine’s Day?
I just chilled with my homies.

Did you plan anything in advance, or was it more spontaneous?
No plans, really. Just went to uni and spent time with friends like usual.

Do you usually celebrate Valentine’s Day the same way every year? Why or why not?
It depends—if I have a girlfriend, then maybe. Otherwise, not really, LOL.

Interview with: Aqualuvsyou

How did you spend your Valentine’s Day?
I was on holiday! We slept in until lunchtime, then spent the afternoon sunbathing by the pool and relaxing in the spa. It was super chill until the evening.

Did you do anything special to celebrate (or not celebrate) Valentine’s Day?
I took my boyfriend out for Korean BBQ! Neither of us had tried it before, so we were definitely a bit clueless, haha. After dinner, we spontaneously decided to check out a nearby casino. It was a great way to spend the day!

Did you plan anything in advance, or was it more spontaneous?
The holiday itself was planned in advance—we booked it a few months ago for the week.

Do you usually celebrate Valentine’s Day the same way every year? Why or why not?
This year was definitely unique! It was our first vacation together, just the two of us, which made it really special.

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Do you know about love languages? What are they and what do they consist of? Today I will be giving you insight on what the five love languages are. These are the five ways that people speak and understand emotional connection. As well as receive and express love to each other. The five love languages are quality time, acts of service, physical touch, receiving gifts, and words of affirmation. Let’s take a deeper look into what each one of them is.

Quality Time: 

Someone with this love language enjoys spending time together with you. They feel most loved by having you focus your time with them. It can be something simple like taking a drive and talking, or going out to watch the stars. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time and effort it is the little things you make time for. If you are a busy person it could be something as simple as sending a nice text to them or making time to plan a little something to do. As well as simple tasks at home like cooking meals together.

Acts Of Service:

Acts of service as a love language is doing nice things for your partner that make them feel noticed and appreciated. This includes things like helping with the dishes when they may be pilling up, putting gas in the car when you know it’s low, and running errands you know need to be done. They are very quick with this love language to notice and appreciate the little things you take time to help them with. So never think the effort you put into this isn’t enough.

Physical Touch:

A person who has physical touch as a love language feels love through physical affection. They can feel loved by you holding their hand, cuddling up with you, and long hugs after a hard day. Date ideas could include a movie night on the couch while cuddling, taking a walk together while holding hands, or giving you little kisses throughout the day out of the blue. They feel the most loved when physically interacting with their partner.

Receiving Gifts:

For someone with this love language, gifts symbolize love, care, and affection. It is not only the gift they treasure but also the time and effort that went into the gift. People who have this love language don’t always need expensive gifts. Getting a gift for them can be something simple like a chocolate bar they like or even making a gift for them. It is more the effort and thoughtfulness behind the gift that counts. Taking the time to pick out or make the gift shows them you care about them and what they like and want.

Words Of Affirmation:

Words of affirmation as a love language is about expressing affection. This can be through spoken words, praise, and appreciation. This as a primary love language means they enjoy kind words and encouragement, love notes, and cute text messages. It is easy to make someone’s day with this love language by complimenting them or telling them something that you like about them and appreciating them as a person. Taking the time to reassure them throughout the day, as well as asking about their day and giving them uplifting words when stressed or having a bad day.

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Article by: q-Thunder-q

Self-love is all about showing yourself kindness, respect, and care in both physical and mental ways. Here are 5 tips to practice self-love on a daily basis:

1. Prioritize Your Well-Being (Physically and Mentally) 💪🧘

Whether it’s taking time for a workout, a walk, or simply eating foods that nourish your body, physical self-care is key. Mentally, give yourself space to relax. Consider activities like meditation, journaling, or just taking a few quiet moments to breathe.

Tip: Schedule “me time” during your day, even if it’s just 10 minutes.

2. Practice Positive Affirmations 💖

What we say to ourselves matters. Start each day with positive affirmations like “I am enough,” “I deserve happiness,” or “I trust myself.” This helps reframe your mindset, boosting confidence and self-compassion.

Tip: Write down affirmations and place them somewhere you’ll see often—on your mirror, phone, or workspace.

3. Set Boundaries 🚧

Learning to say no and setting boundaries is a vital part of self-love. Protect your time and energy. It’s okay to step back from things that drain you or make you uncomfortable.

Tip: Be clear and direct about your needs with others, and don’t feel guilty about prioritizing yourself.

4. Celebrate Your Wins (Big & Small) 🎉

Whether you’ve achieved something big or small, acknowledge it. Maybe you completed a project, stuck to your routine, or simply made it through a challenging day—take a moment to recognize and appreciate yourself.

Tip: Keep a “win” journal, jotting down your successes each day. It can be as simple as making it through a busy week.

5. Take Time to Relax and Rejuvenate 🌸

You deserve rest. Whether that means taking a bath, reading a book, or listening to your favorite music, take time each day to disconnect and unwind.
Tip: Create a calming bedtime ritual, like drinking herbal tea or doing some light stretching before sleep.

Bonus Tip: Remember, self-love isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up for yourself with kindness and acceptance every day. Small moments of care can go a long way in creating a strong foundation of self-love.

References: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
https://koester-conceptstore.nl/tips-dagelijkse-selfcare-routine/

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Valentine’s Day Guide: Dinner, Dessert & Movies for a Perfect Night 💖

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to pamper yourself and your partner with a memorable evening. Whether you’re cooking at home or cozying up for a movie marathon, I’ve got the perfect menu and movie recommendations to make the day extra special!

1. Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Butter Sauce 🐟
   
   A simple yet elegant dish that’s full of flavor. The crispy, golden salmon pairs beautifully with a creamy lemon-butter sauce.
   
   Ingredients:
   Salmon fillets
   Olive oil
   Garlic
   Lemon juice & zest
   Butter
   Fresh parsley
   
   Instructions:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
   Sear the salmon skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
   Remove from pan and set aside.
   
   In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
   Pour sauce over salmon, garnish with parsley, and serve with roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
   
2. Heart-Shaped Pizzas 🍕
   
   A fun and personalized way to enjoy pizza with your loved one. Customize it with your favorite toppings, all while setting the mood for a cozy night in.
   
   Ingredients:
   Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
   Tomato sauce
   Mozzarella cheese
   Pepperoni, mushrooms, veggies—your choice of toppings
   
   Instructions:
   Preheat the oven and roll out your pizza dough.
   Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (or freehand), shape the dough into hearts.
   Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, top with cheese, and add your favorite toppings.
   Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly (around 12-15 minutes).
   
3. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries 🍓🍫
   
   A classic Valentine’s treat that’s simple to make yet super romantic. You can dip them in dark, milk, or white chocolate, and even sprinkle them with toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles.
   
   Ingredients:
   Fresh strawberries
   Dark chocolate (or chocolate of your choice)
   Toppings like crushed almonds or colored sugar (optional)
   
   Instructions:
   Melt your chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
   Dip each strawberry in the chocolate, coating halfway or completely.
   Place the dipped strawberries on parchment paper to set. Add toppings if desired.
   Let them cool and harden before serving.

Movies to Set the Mood 🎥

What’s a romantic dinner without the right movie? Whether you’re in the mood for something heartwarming, tear-jerking, or just light and fun, here are the best movie picks to complete your Valentine’s evening.

1. The Notebook (2004)
   Perfect For: A timeless love story that will make you believe in soulmates. This emotional film will definitely bring the feels.
2. La La Land (2016)
   Perfect For: If you’re in the mood for dreamy musical numbers and an emotional rollercoaster. Gorgeous visuals, music, and a love story that sticks with you.
3. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
   Perfect For: A lighthearted comedy with a stellar ensemble cast. It’s got humor, romance, and a bit of everything, making it a great balance for a chill night.
4. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
   Perfect For: A sweet, nostalgic teen romance. It’s a perfect pick for an easygoing, feel-good movie night.
   
   Bonus Tips for a Romantic Night In 💕
   
   Set the Scene: Light candles, put on your favorite love songs, and create an ambiance that feels cozy and intimate.
   
   Personalize Your Meal: Add small touches, like writing a special note to your partner or playing your favorite playlist in the background.
   
   End with Dessert: Don’t forget to share a decadent dessert like molten chocolate lava cakes or red velvet cupcakes.
   
   This Valentine’s, it’s all about thoughtful gestures, good food, and quality time. These recipes and movie picks will help set the perfect atmosphere for you and your loved one to enjoy. 🌹
   
   
   References: https://www.cookingclassy.com/skillet-seared-salmon-with-garlic-lemon-butter-sauce/ https://withlove.tv/nl?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaignid=9508652604&utm_adsetid=96909374076&utm_adid=421131224292&utm_keyword=love%20films&utm_placement=g&utm_userplacement=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA74G9BhAEEiwA8kNfpQE6xRcwR2cwSbzlEGkJpwaZ1EeV5qcVHl11qhusuR_PHP5e7mGF5xoClfQQAvD_BwE

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Thank you all for submitting your beautiful photos taken at OPA’s Valentines Day Booths!
Here’s a display of some of the submissions 🙂

If you’d like to view all the submissions, please search #ValentinesWithOPA on USDF discord <3