'Gong Xi Fa Cai'
Well here is something new that I have recently learnt.
As with many Asian traditions ( Moon festival etc) the Chinese New Year Zodiac animals have originated from an Ancient Fairy tale.
I love it!
Apparently the Jade Emperor, who according to Taoist tradition, is the ruler of heaven and earth. The Emperor needed twelve animals to guard the gates of heaven so he 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 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 remembered even after many millennium
Lots of food.
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.
2021 will be the Year of ‘The Ox’.
Occupying the second position in the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals. Oxes have an honest nature, and are known for diligence, dependability, strength and determination. Nice!
'Gong Xi Fa Cai'---------'Happy Chinese New Year'
