With the arrival of the new moon on
February 12, 2002, a new year will commence for millions of people in Asia
and around the world. It is the Year of the Horse, the seventh year in a
repeating twelve-year cycle. This year ends on January 31, 2003, giving
way to a new year and a new presiding animal in the ancient zodiac.
The most celebrated of all Chinese festivities, the lunar new year is a
time of gathering, feasting, renewing and celebrating. Canada Post joins
all Asian-Canadians in paying homage to these traditional festivities with
one domestic rate stamp and one international rate stamp, both
issued on January 3, 2002.
The chinese lunar calendar
Used as early as 2637 BC, the lunar calendar is the oldest
chronological record in the world. As its name suggests, the lunar
calendar is based on the orbit of the moon - unlike the Western solar
calendar which tracks the movement of the earth around the sun. In the
lunar calendar, the second new moon following the winter solstice marks
the beginning of a new lunar year, and each year is named after one of
twelve animals in a repeating twelve-year cycle. According to one legend,
Buddha invited the entire animal kingdom to assist him in restoring order
to the world. Of all the animals summoned, only twelve appeared. These beasts
came to represent the Chinese zodiac, with each animal ruling one of the
twelve years. It is said that each year possesses the characteristics of
the presiding animal and traditionally, an individual's character, personality
and fortune can be determined by the animal presiding over the year of his or her birth. The horse in Asian art
Horses are symbols of vitality, progress, and speed towards success.
This majestic animal often appears on New Year greeting cards, lucky money
envelopes, birthday cards and wedding cards. It is believed that horses bring
wishes of prosperity and health to the recipient of such correspondence.
In Asian art, horses connote force and strength, and are portrayed as lively,
energetic and powerful. Horses are usually in motion, whether travelling in a
herd or participating in a battle. Horses are always depicted in an upright position. Characteristics of a horse person
Those born under the sign of the horse possess a distinctive set of
characteristics unique to the sign. Typically cheerful, the horse is popular,
quick-witted, perceptive and talkative. Horses are noted for their self-reliance,
sense of adventure, vivaciousness, and ability to manage money. Open-minded
and flexible, the horse loves fanfare. But with these strengths come the
weaknesses of being impulsive, stubborn, headstrong and temperamental. The
horse's changeable nature often leads to irrational or hot-tempered behaviour
and the inability to follow schedules or demonstrate perseverance. Self-centred
by nature, the horse will demand much from others but give little in return.
The year 2002
Each year belongs to one of the five elements of the universe - gold/metal,
wood, water, fire, or earth - and these elements have an influence on all born
during that year. The year 2002 belongs to the element water, and people born this
year are called water horses. It is believed that water horses are cheerful, fun to
be with, and highly adaptable to change. They possess a great sense of humour and
excellent business acumen. However, water horses are more restless than other horses,
due to being extremely concerned with their well-being, status, and comfort. Water
horses are prone to changing their minds abruptly, and their decisions are sometimes
guided by bursts of nervous energy.
One's personality traits are not dictated by sign alone - the time of day
and the season of one's birth are also influential factors. It is believed that
a horse born during the summer will fare better in life than a horse born during
the winter. Typically, the best stage of a horse's life is at middle-age, when
they are mature and can accept responsibilities. Some famous people born under
the sign of the horse are Theodore Roosevelt, Nelson Mendela, and Paul McCartney.
Chinese Fortune Calendar
LoveSigns.net
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