I thought that I would go for a different approach to this particular update and inform you all of something which, until a few days ago, I didn't know and so maybe you don't either: the story behind the Chinese zodiac, which I found on Wikipedia.
A legend explains the sequence in which the animals were assigned. Supposedly, the twelve animals fought over the precedence of the animals in the cycle of years in the calendar, so the Chinese gods held a contest to determine the order. All the animals lined up on the bank of a river and were given the task of getting to the opposite shore. Their order in the calendar would be set by the order in which the animals managed to reach the other side.
The cat wondered how he would get across if he was afraid of water. At the same time, the ox wondered how he would cross with his poor eyesight. The calculating rat suggested that he and the cat jump onto the ox's back and guide him across. The ox was steady and hard-working so that he did not notice a commotion on his back. In the meanwhile, the rat sneaked up behind the unsuspecting cat and shoved him into the water. Just as the ox came ashore, the rat jumped off and finished the race first. The lazy pig came to the far shore in twelfth place. And so the rat got the first year named after him, the ox got the second year, and the pig ended up as the last year in the cycle. The cat finished too late to win any place in the calendar, and vowed to be the enemy of the rat forevermore.
The twelve animals, representing the twelve earthly branches are, in order, the: rat; ox; tiger; rabbit; dragon; snake; horse; sheep (or goat); monkey; rooster; dog; and pig.
And this year is the year of the ox. What does it mean? Well, it's probably about as much nonsense as any other astrological mumbo jumbo but, suposedly, people born under the sign of the ox are patient, soft spoken and inspire confidence in others. They also have strong codes and work ethics. However, they tend to be eccentric and bigoted, and are known to anger easily. Although they speak little, when they do they are quite eloquent, but when crossed have fierce tempers. Even though they are easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, hating to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with snake, rooster, and rat people.
Dependable and invariably solid, oxen are excellent organisers and systematic in their approach to every task they undertake while not being easily influenced by other people’s ideas. Loyalty is a part of their character, but if deceived they will not forget. Although not imaginative, they are capable of good ideas.
Oxen usually tend to be workaholics, and they should make an effort to relax more. According to ancient wisdom, and being strong and robust, they should be blessed with long lives.
And the upcoming dates for Chinese new years are: 26 January 2009; 14 February 2010; 3 February 2011; 23 January, 2012; and10 February, 2013.
Personally, I think that it is very decent of the Chinese government to honour both of the Lefroy children's birthdays – even though the celebration of mine is timed upon the nearest lunar date and not, actually, on 18 February – Hannah's, on the other hand, is on the fixed date of her birth every year, on 1 October.
Jolly good show, what?
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