'Gong Xi Fa Cai'
Well here is something new that I have recently learnt.
A with many Asian traditions ( Moon festival etc) the Chinese New Year Zodiac animals have originated from an Ancient Fairy tail.
I love it!
Apparently the Jade Emperor who according Taoist tradition is the ruler of heaven and earth needed twelve animals to guard the gates of heaven so the Emperor invited all the animals on earth to compete in a race.
Sounds like a cross between the great race and the story of the Noah’s ark.
Anyway the animals have to cross a great Heavenly River and the Rat, having a problem with the swim, asked to hop on the Ox’s back. However the Rat jumped off as they neared the far river bank to become the first across.
So the order had the Rat first and the Ox second followed by Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
And these animals became the12 Chinese Zodiac Animals.
I love tales like these on which our world is built and I love the fact that they are still celebrated or rembered even after many millennium
When my family lived in Asia Chinese New Year was full of fun and visitors and of course food, lots of food, with everyone giving greeting cards and our Chinese friends hosting parties.
2019 will be the Year of ‘The Pig’.
Occupying the last position in the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals, Pig is mild and a lucky animal representing carefree fun, good fortune and wealth. Not too bad traits to be born under.
'Gong Xi Fa Cai'---------'Happy Chinese New Year'
Chessie.