Southampton - Although the date February 14 is well known as Valentine's Day, thus requiring chocolate, flowers and romantic dinners, it also marks the arrival of the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese New Year. The Year of the Tiger is the Chinese zodiac sign revered for its passion and excitement, and ends on February 2, 2011.

The Chinese use the lunar calendar for celebratory events which includes the New Year, and the cycle of 12 animal signs originates from Chinese tradition as a way of naming the years. The rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig are the animal signs. Since every animal has particular characteristics the people born in that specific year are believed to take on these characteristics.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. Tigers are physically powerful, and the tiger is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, which is a sign of bravery. This courageous and fiery fighter is admired by the ancient Chinese as the sign that keeps away the three main tragedies of a household - fire, thieves and ghosts.

So in keeping with the Chinese New Year, Shanghai Tang is offering some nifty 'Tiger Gifts' to consider whether to celebrate the Zodiac or Valentine's Day - or both!

Tiger USB, Tiger Bookmark, and a Tiger Umbrella.