I mentioned that Chinese calendar divides a solar year into 24 periods. A recent newspaper article prompted me to expand this topic just a bit more.

That 24 periods equally divides a solar year by the angular path of the Sun, or 15 degrees. We know that Sun travels elliptically, each period, therefore, has slightly different length in time. Chinese gave these periods pretty poetic and descriptive names.

The period named "beginning of spring" or 立春 (LiChun) occupies a special place in Chinese's hearts. It starts at the exactly halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox. It is therefore beginning of spring. On this day, the coldest days are over and things have started to grow, even you may not be able to observe directly.

Since a Lunar year can have either 12 or 13 lunar months, it is possible for a lunar year to have two 立春. That will be a wonderful year, since spring comes twice. This is one of those magical year. (The 7th lunar month will be "leaped," or repeated.) Not only that, dog is a symbol for prosperous and energy. That's why it is a very good year to get married.

Do you need other reasons? Com'on, go for it.