Thursday, February 10, 2005

Year of the Rooster.


"Xin Nian Kuai Le, Wan Shi Ru Yi"
*Happy Chinese New Year, May a Thousand Goodness Come In Your Way*

"The year 2005 is the Year of the Rooster, according to the Chinese Zodiac.
The rooster has traditionally been considered to be a good sign as its crow meant the break of dawn, the beginning of a fresh start.
People believed that ghosts and evil spirits afraid of the light would disappear when a rooster crowed.
Thus, even though roosters were raised for food, it was also a spiritual animal that drove away demons.

Among the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, the rooster is the only one with wings. It has been regarded as the messenger that connects the two worlds, heaven and earth.
The rooster is historically known to have five virtues: knowledge, military expertise, courage, benevolence and credibility.

The rooster's crest is called "pyosul" in Korean and "kwan" in Chinese, which means coronet as well as government post.
The coronet on its head represents the pen meaning knowledge, while its claw symbolizes the sword, corresponding to military skills. When confronted by an enemy, it fights till the end without ever retreating, testifying to its quality of courage.
Also, when the rooster finds food, it cries out and shares it with other animals, showing benevolence.
Lastly, it never fails to crow on time, informing people of the break of day, demonstrating great credibility."

***

GONG XI FA CAI

May the Year of the Rooster be a Healthy,
Prosperous and Happy Year
for You and Your Family.

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