◆By Tricia Carwell

　　When I arrived in Beijing last January, I noticed horses everywhere. Yes, there were some live ones on the suburb streets pulling fully-loaded carts laden with heavy bricks for recycling, but there were also others, made from all imaginable material: paper, marble, bronze, even cake. The most beautiful were in hotel lobbies or featured on walls. Quickly, I realized that with the upcoming celebrations for Chinese New Years, it was, indeed, the last act of the Snake and the advent of the Year of the Horse.

　　Ironically, my happy arrival in 2002 coincided with a year destined for bad luck, but I was relieved to find out that fate was only for those born under the equine sign. I was told those horses who wear a red cloth band could acquire magic power to counteract the negativity. The year of the horse comes around every twelve, last time in 1990, next in 2014, leaving eleven other animals to rule during the intervening time. The year is lifted from the lunar calendar, rather than the January to December, Gregorian cycle, particularly important for those born in January or February, depending on the full moon and dates. Legend says that some aspects of personality are derived from the folkloric categories, as designated by the Emperor of Heaven, when he called animals to come together one New Year's. Those who arrived, and have since been endowed with a year of respect, were the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

　　The horse is a symbol of bravery, expected to bring victory, is naturally high-spirited, and often portrayed as a male god and able to fly. Reputed in the past as always belonging to Emperors, exploits of the mighty steed were recorded in the courts between 259 BC and 280 AD. The Terra Cotta Warriors, unearthed near Xi'an in the 1970s, were accompanied by thousands of mounts traveling to the afterlife with Emperor Qin. White horses figured prominently in wedding ceremonies, carrying the groom to the bride's home. Babies born in the Year of the Horse are predicted to work hard, be independent, intelligent, passionate, adventurous and friendly. As long as a tendency to selfishness, egotism and talking too much is kept in check, a career as a politician may be in the books. A horse can easily become a hero.

　　The Western saying, it was a blessing in disguise,?may be based on a Chinese horse legend from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). The horse belonging to Saiwong, an elder, disappeared one day, leaving him despondent, but asking, who could have guessed that it was a blessing in disguise? Several days later, the mare returned, bringing a second horse at her side. With a sense of foreboding, the man asked, who could have guessed that it was a misfortune in disguise?Not surprisingly, several days later, his son fell from the horse and broke his legs. A blessing in disguise again? The accident kept the youth from joining the army to fight against the Hu people, thus saving his life, as most of the soldiers died.

　　Gearing up for another New Year, the charming sheep (1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) chases the horse, nipping at his hooves. A little pessimism in nature can be overcome with some self-confidence that can be channelled//into//acting or gardening. Awkwardly, creating a first impression is difficult and can lead to misunderstandings, particularly if conversations lead to complaints and criticisms, for which Sheep are noted. An annual design modification in hotel appointing should see the sheep leaving their pens and the horses returning to their stables.

　　The Monkey scampers after the sheep's tail. Intelligent and witty, the monkey attracts followers and friends because of charisma and magnetism. A good sense of humour can carry a monkey to success in any endeavour, taking advantage of opportunities and showing caution against people deemed to be untrustworthy.

　　The Rooster may be an early riser who speaks out, crows after the monkey, and rarely goes unnoticed. A follower of fashion, almost to extreme, a rooster may be seen as pretentious or a dreamer. As a good decision maker, a career in a service industry, hospitality or public relations would be in order.

　　Man's best and faithful friend is the Dog. (1970, 1982, 1994, 2006) Possessing honesty, integrity, loyalty and trustworthiness, a dog unfortunately is held back by concern and worry, which he expresses through criticism and correction, lacking tact and diplomacy at inappropriate times. Still, life in the business world or classroom may be a good environment to keep a dog satisfied.

　　A Pig may be seen in the public eye, on stage or screen, or playing to a crowd. A bit naive, the pig is not a loner, thriving on friendship, perhaps an over-achiever and a strong believer in getting back the same as what is given. Likely of an intellectual bent, a Pig is well-read and articulate, expressing sincerity, honesty and tolerance to those in his circle.

　　I am a Rat, as is my eldest son. Rats are imaginative, creative and full of ideas. They need someone close to keep them grounded. Although quick-tempered and critical, they seize the day looking for opportunities to work through and problems to resolve. Trivialities and details often interfere with lives and Rats offer advice frequently. My son is charming, warm-hearted, living life to the full and is well-suited for his marketing position, and could make his way easily in advertising or public relations. He is definitely a Rat. I guess I am.

　　Look for a leader and chances are, you'll find an Ox. One who inspires confidence, is methodical, analytical and rarely ostentatious. Often looking for his own way can be a problem, but a career in medicine or the military may be a suitable spot for an Ox.

　　A Tiger (1974, 1986, 1998, 2010) like my second son, is a homebody and loves the security of home and family, //where// sensitivity, love and emotions can be easily expressed. From time to time, a Tiger may become rebellious and show temper or stubbornness, but with restraint, can become an excellent manager, school headmaster, foreman or company director.

　　Everyone loves to be around a Rabbit, who is affectionate, kind, and a helper. Leaning towards sentimentality, bordering on gushiness, the Rabbit may sometimes seem insincere or phoney. Still, being cautious and analytical are qualities that would stand in good stead for work in law, or diplomacy, nursing or education.

　　Have you ever run//into//someone who is foolhardy or is a blabbermouth gossip, a person who is always up indefatigable and full of energy for life? This person is likely a Dragon, (1988, 2000, 2012) who is clever, but demanding on others, and may be found in the arts, painting, making music, teaching a specific craft or skill, or in design and construction.

　　The last of the dozen creatures is the Snake, a squirmy, deep-thinking character who is endowed with patience or procrastination, romance or passion, wisdom or intuition, and a tight fist for money. Snakes are very good with psychology, a depth of understanding human beings and life, shaping each day with humour, and are happy dealing with people as a teacher, therapist or commentator. In the Year of the Snake, 2001, anticipated good luck indeed blessed China, landing the coveted 2008 Olympic Games and acceptance//into//the WTO.

　　The Chinese Zodiac would imply that similar personalities emerge from all those born in the same year. In the Western world, however, personalities and also hints of the future are based on the Horoscope, which in turn is based on the date and month of birth, rather than the year. The signs are named after star constellations in the night sky, predictions determined by the constantly changing positions of the planets. My husband, for example, is a Sagittarius, born November 22nd; our sons are Pisces and Virgo. I am a Capricorn, born December 27th. According to superstition, Capricorns are practical, patient, fatalistic, disciplined, ambitious, assertive and aggressive. People don't recognize sensitivity, because it's hidden in self-assurance, unflappability, some detachment, and confidence. They don't like to be hurt emotionally, and can achieve success if they overlook inhibitions. They have a dour sense of humour which reveals itself from time to time. Somewhat reluctant to believe in such uninspired, unscientific hoopla, I do hesitate to admit that the descriptions from both Rat and Capricorn do seem to apply.

　　Should Westerners and Chinese come together in friendships, the permutations and combinations of animal unions together with the horoscope predictions and characteristics, fortunately are many. That's just as well or we would all be the same. That wouldn't do. On the other hand, instead of belief in auspicious selections for partners, special events, or conducting daily lives, everything could be left to chance, or discussion, and that's a lot more fun.