This lunar year, however, is fraught with an especially strong dose of astrological Viagra because it is believed to be the Year of the Golden Pig, which - depending on the astrologer you consult - comes once every 60 or 600 years. Either way, it's a rare pig.

Or is it? Serious Hong Kong practitioners of the ancient art of feng shui, or geomancy, have debunked the notion that this is a golden year, writing it off as a commercial invention fostered by shopkeepers to boost business. The next golden pig year, they say, will not come around until 2031.

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This year's pig is matched up not with gold but with fire and, significantly, the fire sits on water. The elements are therefore in conflict - a theme not particularly popular with merchants and mall decorators - and the year ahead will be full of turbulence.

It would be better if this year's flame were a yang fire, which symbolizes the warmth of the sun, politeness and optimism. But instead, it's a yin fire, and that signifies the spark of tension, conflict and even war.