On February 16, the Lunar New
Year will begin. This year we enter the Year of the Rabbit. It will be a
placid year, or so the legend goes welcome after the tumultuous
Year of the Tiger that preceded it.
The rabbit symbolizes longevity, its white coat peacefulness and
cleanliness. In concert with those qualities, the Year of the Rabbit is
said to be a temperate year with an unhurried pace; a congenial time in
which diplomacy, international relations and politics come to the fore.
During these 12 months, individuals are predicted to act with discretion
and make concessions. People will become carefree and happy, occupying
themselves with recreational activities and entertaining others. Money
will be easily made.
Pristine Design
A brush-stroke image of a rabbit is the prominent
element in this year's Lunar issue. Its illustrative style reflects
traditional Chinese folk-art drawing.
The backdrop for the stamp is a yellow gradation representative of
the moon. It is complemented by colours often found in Lunar New Year
decorations and ornaments burgundy and purple, creating a sense of
celebration and festivity.
The names of the 12 zodiac animals are found in the background of the
stamp, written in a traditional Chinese style. The word for 'rabbit' is
highlighted.
"The approach to this design is a relatively modern one, using a brush
stroke illustration style to depict the rabbit, while at the same time
drawing a connection to the Chinese culture by writing Chinese characters
in the background of the stamp," said Ken Koo, illustrator for the 1999
Lunar issue.
Koo, president of Koo Creative Inc., worked with designer Ken Fung, to
develop this issue. Both are Hong Kong natives.
"The overall simple design generates a feeling of cleanliness, harmony
and peace. The illustration of the rabbit has a sense of strength and
energy to it. When set against the soft background, its style brings more
focus to the rabbit itself."
An Ancient Tradition
The rabbit is one of 12 animals, often referred to as "earth branches,"
in the Chinese zodiac. The rat, tiger, dragon, horse, monkey, dog, ox,
snake, goat, rooster, and pig are the other astrological creatures.
Each year of the Lunar calendar is ruled by one of these creatures and,
according to folklore, is said to reflect the personality of its
respective animal. Similarly, those born within that year are said to
possess the animal's characteristics.
The Lunar calendar has existed for 3,700 years. Unlike the Western
calendar which follows the sun, this "lunar" calendar tracks the orbit of
the moon. Each of its 12 months begins with a new moon.
ScoutNet SA
LoveSigns.net
Twilight Zone
