DOCSLIB.ORG

Hidden Meanings in Chinese Decorative Motifs

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Hidden Meanings in Chinese Decorative Motifs Hidden Meanings in Chinese Decorative motifs Many decorative motifs found in Chinese visual culture convey good omens or wishes. They represent auspicious sayings that originated in ancient China. Homophones (characters pronounced like other characters) in the Chinese language fired the imagination of artists and wordsmiths, inspiring creative motifs and compositions applying intimate knowledge of language and symbolism. Rebuses (words represented by symbols), for example, often used words that shared the same sounds but differed in meaning and form. Motifs for Blessings The character fu (福) stands for blessings, The Three Abundances (sanduo 三多) is good luck, and good fortune. a group of three fruits—the Buddha’s-hand citron, the peach, and the pomegranate— formed from puns. The citron represents blessings; the peach long life; and the pomegranate many sons. The Chinese word for bat (fu 蝠) has the 福 same sound as the character fu (福) and therefore isBlessings a symbol for blessing. Bats pictured Fu 福 upside down indicate blessings have arrived! Fu Blessings 福 The Star God Fuxing, who bestows blessings (fu )—which encompass everything auspicious—is usually portrayedThe as ansheep, ordinary manram, carrying and a baby goat boy. shareIn traditional the same Chinese cultureThe Star the God epitome Fuxing,name, of blessingswho yangbestows and (ofblessings羊 marital). This ( fuhappiness 福 word)—which was is encompasshaving a homophone male everything children toauspicious—is carry on the familyusuallywith name. portrayed yang Motifs as ( foran陽 ordinarya) harmonious meaning man carryingmarriage both a and babysun numerous boy. and In traditional positive male offspringChinese therefore culture come theforce under epitome theor ofheading energy, blessings of blessings. and as ofexpressed marital happiness in thewas havingphrase male “ yin children to carry onand the familyyang name..” Images Motifs for ofa harmonious the sheep, marriage ram, and numerousand goat Foremost among motifs related to blessings in general is the bat, the word for which is male offspring thereforehave come several under the auspicious heading of blessings. associations, including also pronounced fu but is written differently (蝠). Among bat motifs, the most popular is The ruyi (如意) is a ceremonial scepterthe image Foremostof and five bats, among a rebus motifsblessings (visual related pun) forto for theblessings Fivethe Blessings: inNew general longevity,Year. is the bat, wealth, the word health, for which is a wish-granting wand, and its characterslove of virtue,also are pronouncedand a peaceful fu but death—the is written most differently cherished (蝠). aspirations Among bat of motifs, many the Chinese most popular is translated as “as you wish” or “accordingpeople throughthe to image the centuries.of five bats, a rebus (visual pun) for the Five Blessings: longevity, wealth, health, your desires.” The object itself or an imagelove of of virtue, and a peaceful death—the most cherished aspirations of many Chinese the object creates a pun, conveying the meaningpeople through the centuries. WISHES FOR A HARMONIOUS MARRIAGE “May you have blessings as you wish.” The most popular motif for a happy marriage is the lotus, as this plant’s seed-bearing WISHES FOR A HARMONIOUS MARRIAGE stage comes early, suggesting the early arrival of sons. One of the many names for the lotus (he 荷The) sounds most likepopular the word motif for for harmony a happy ( hemarriage 和). is the lotus, as this plant’s seed-bearing stage comes early, suggesting the early arrival of sons. One of the many names for the Images of fish, which are seen as living in tune with their surroundings, convey wishes lotus (he 荷) sounds like the word for harmony (he 和). for a long and happy marriage—as do mandarin ducks, which mate for life. Images of fish, which are seen as living in tune with their surroundings, convey wishes for a long and happy marriage—as do mandarin ducks, which mate for life. WISHES FOR MANY SONS In Chinese tradition, sons were expected to perpetuate not only the family name but also WISHES FOR MANY SONS the worship of ancestors. Not producing a son was considered a failure in one’s duty to one’s parentsIn Chinese and ancestors. tradition, Sons sons were were strongly expected urged to perpetuate to excel in notthe onlycivil theservice family exami name- but also nations sothe they worship could become of ancestors. high officials Not producing and bring a songlory was and considered wealth to thea failure family. in one’s duty to one’s parents and ancestors. Sons were strongly urged to excel in the civil service exami- The popular “boys at play” and “hundred boys” motifs, which convey wishes for many nations so they could become high officials and bring glory and wealth to the family. sons, can be seen on women’s ornaments and clothing and on decorative objects—as can fruits and Thevegetables popular that “boys bear manyat play” seeds, and such“hundred as pomegranates boys” motifs, and which gourds. convey Butterflies wishes for many (die 蝶) andsons, gourds can be (gua seen 瓜 on) together women’s form ornaments a rebus and for clothingthe wish and “May on there decorative be ceaseless objects—as can generationsfruits of sons and andvegetables grandsons” that (bearguadie many mianmian seeds, such瓜瓞綿綿) as pomegranates. And the fertility and gourds. theme Butterflies applies to (thedie 蝶newlyweds’) and gourds bed; ( itgua is 瓜common) together practice form to a rebusprepare for the the bed wish for “May the wedding there be ceaseless night by scatteringgenerations on ofit driedsons and fruit grandsons” and seeds. (guadie mianmian 瓜瓞綿綿). And the fertility theme applies to the newlyweds’ bed; it is common practice to prepare the bed for the wedding night by scattering on it dried fruit and seeds. Hidden Meanings in Chinese Decorative motifs Motifs for Prosperity The character lu (祿) implies rank, success, The peony and osmanthus are associated good fortune, and wealth. with nobility, high rank, and wealth. The character for deer (鹿) is also pronounced lu, and so deer symbolize wealth and longevity. The word for rooster can be a pun for luck, fortune, and rank. Golden ingots and coins are symbols of riches and wealth. Hidden Meanings in Chinese Decorative motifs Motifs for Longevity The word shou (壽) means longevity and The peach is a symbol for longevity. eternal life, as its character combines the symbol of nobleman with the symbol of time. The pine tree and the crane, individually or Depictions of the Daoist god and goddess of together, represent longevity and express “May longevity represent attributes of long life. you live long.” The fungus of immortality (lingzhi 靈芝) is a symbol of longevity. Believed to have medicinal properties that revived the dead, the woody fungus was considered to be food of the divine and the immortals. Hidden Meanings in Chinese Decorative motifs Motifs for Happiness The character for happiness is xi (喜), The magpie (xique 喜鵲), sharing the first and two of them placed side by side form character with the word for happiness (xi 喜), a character for “double happiness” (囍), a heralds blessings and good news in spring. common symbol at weddings. Magpies on plum blossoms, translated as xi shang mei shao, are a homophone for the saying “Happiness up to one’s eyebrows.” The lotus, a pun for harmony and alliance, conveys “May you have a harmonious marriage and family.” Images of young boys playing with lotuses impart “May your descendants live in harmony and peace.” The character for chime stones (qing 磬) sounds the same as that for celebration (qing 慶); thus, chime stones suggest a celebration of life, success, and happiness. Mandarin ducks are believed to mate for life. Pictured with a lotus, they suggest “May you be paired in love forever.”.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Chinese Zodiac Animals Trail #Cnysunderland2021
    Chinese Zodiac Animals Trail #CNYSunderland2021 Find out amazing facts about the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac and try some fun animal actions. 12th February 2021 is the start of the Year of the Ox, but how were the animals chosen and in which order do they follow each other? Find out more….. How did the years get their names? A long time ago in China, the gods decided that they wanted to name the years after animals. They chose twelve animals – dragon, tiger, horse, snake, pig, cockerel, rat, rabbit, goat, dog, ox and monkey. All of these wanted the first year to be named after them as they all thought themselves to be the most important. Can you imagine the noise when they were arguing? They made so much noise that they woke up the gods. After listening to all their arguments the gods decided to settle the matter by holding a race across a wide river. The years would be named according to the order in which the animals finished the race. The animals were very excited. They all believed that they would win – although the pig wasn’t quite so sure. During the race there were many changes in position, with different animals taking the lead. As they approached the river bank ox was in the lead with rat a very close second. Rat was determined to win but he was getting very tired. He had to think quickly. He managed to catch the ox’s tail and from there he climbed onto his back. Ox could see that he was winning but just as he was about to touch the bank, rat jumped over his head and landed on dry land.
    [Show full text]
  • Zodiac Animal Masks
    LUNAR NEW YEAR ZODIAC ANIMAL MASKS INTRODUCTION ESTIMATED TIME The Year of the Ox falls on February 12 this year. 15–20 minutes The festival is celebrated in East Asia and Southeast Asia and is also known as Chun Jié (traditional Chinese: 春節; simplified Chinese:春节 ), or the Spring MATERIALS NEEDED Festival, as it marks the arrival of the season on the lunisolar calendar. • Chart (on the next page) to find your birth year and corresponding zodiac animal The Chinese Zodiac, known as 生肖, is based on a • Zodiac animal mask templates twelve-year cycle. Each year in that cycle is correlated to an animal sign. These signs are the rat, ox, tiger, • Printer rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, • Colored pencils, markers, crayons, and/or pens and pig. It is calculated according to the Chinese Lunar • Scissors calendar. It is believed that a person’s zodiac animal offers insights about their personality, and the events • Hole punch in his or her life may be correlated to the supposed • String influence of the person’s particular position in the twelve-year zodiac cycle. Use the directions below to teach your little ones STEPS how to create their own paper zodiac animal mask to 1. Using the Chinese zodiac chart on the next page, celebrate the Year of the Ox! find your birth year and correlating zodiac animal. 2. Print out the mask template of your zodiac animal. 3. Color your mask, cut it out, and use a hole punch and string to make it wearable. CHINESE ZODIAC CHART LUNAR NEW YEAR CHINESE ZODIAC YEAR OF THE RAT YEAR OF THE OX YEAR OF THE TIGER 1972 • 1984 • 1996 • 2008 1973 • 1985 • 1997 • 2009 1974 • 1986 • 1998 • 2010 Rat people are very popular.
    [Show full text]
  • THE BALLAD of MULAN – Anonymous
    1 URL for Literature Page: http://www.tsoidug.org/literary.php URL for Home Page: http://www.tsoidug.org/index.php 木 兰 词 逸 名 mu` lan’ ci’ yi` ming’ THE BALLAD OF MULAN – Anonymous 冯欣明英语翻译及拼音（简体版） - English Translation and Pinyin by Feng Xin-ming (Simplified Chinese Script) - (Note: Pinyin to enable entry by ordinary keyboard: ji- = first tone, ji’ = second tone, ji^ = third tone, ji` = fourth tone.) 唧 唧 复 唧 唧，木 兰 当 户 织。 ji- ji- fu` ji- ji- , mu` lan’ dang- hu` zhi- ji ji again ji ji, Mulan in front of door weave “Ji ji,” and “ji ji,” Mulan weaves in front of the door. 不 闻 机 杼 声，惟 闻 女 叹 息。 bu` wen’ ji- zhu` sheng- , wei’ wen’ nu^ tan` xi- not hear machine shuttle noise, only hear daughter sigh - - “Now we don’t hear the loom shuttle; we only hear our daughter sighing. 问 女 何 所 思，问 女 何 所 忆？ wen` nu^ he’ suo^ si- , wen` nv^ he’ suo^ yi- ask daughter what of think, ask daughter what of remember Daughter, what are you thinking about? What are you nostalgic over?” 女 亦 无 所 思，女 亦 无 所 忆， nu^ yi` wu’ suo^ si- , nv^ yi` wu’ suo^ yi- daughter also none of think, daughter also none of remember “I am not thinking about anything, and I am not nostalgic. 2 昨 夜 见 军 帖，可 汗 大 点 兵， zuo’ ye` jian` jun- tie’, ke^ han’ da` dian^ bing- last night see army notice, khan - - big roll-call soldiers Last night I saw the conscription notice; it’s the Khan’s1 Great Call- up2.
    [Show full text]
  • Chinese New Year Handout
    Your name: ______________________________________________ Your PSU User ID: _________________________________________ This could be your lucky year! I don’t know how difficult it will be to do this, but the first person to bring a completed game card to the library will win a Celebrating the Chinese New Year week of free lunches at The Bistro (maximum value $50)! An Information Literacy Event Find a Penn State York student, faculty, or staff member born under each Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Zodiac sign and fill in the chart below. All information will be verified! All first-year students also receive 25 ConnectED points for each signature, so please hand in your form even if you haven’t found 12 people! Follow ConnectED on Facebook for updates! Happy New Year! Zodiac sign Signature Printed name PSU User ID RAT OX 2015 TIGER RABBIT DRAGON SNAKE HORSE Is it the year of the Goat, GOAT the Sheep, or the Ram? Be nice-give them something red! No one is quite sure, but it doesn’t seem to really MONKEY matter. The Chinese word (yáng) is more of a generic term which can refer to any of the above ROOSTER animals, so you may see 2015 associated with any one of these three! DOG Chinese New Year PIG February 19, 2015 The Animals of the Chinese Zodiac Yin and Yang The concept of Yin and Yang also affects the Chinese Zodiac. The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac are in a set order, beginning with the rat. The Yin or Yang of each animal is determined by the number of toes, hoofs, or claws that each has.
    [Show full text]
  • Prepare for the Year of the Goat
    Did you know? Prepare for the year of the goat You may have just finished celebrating Christmas and New Year, but now comes another global festival – the Chinese New Year. And in 2015 we welcome the year of the goat. The Chinese zodiac is based on a twelve-year cycle, each year represented by one of the animal signs: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat (or sheep), monkey, rooster, dog and pig. We are just coming to the end of the year of the horse and in February we will be welcoming the year of the goat. Because it is a lunar festival (rather like Easter which falls on the first Sunday after the spring full moon), the date of the Chinese New Year falls each year between late January and mid- February – and this year, celebrations will begin on New Year’s Eve 18 February. The Chinese New Year is a two-week celebration with plenty of feasting, and families often travel long distances to spend time together and share the annual Reunion dinner, usually featuring fish and dumplings. It is also a time of cleaning – to sweep away ill-fortune and make way for good luck. The predominant colour for the whole period of the festivities is red. People usually wear red clothes, and doors and windows are hung in red paper decorations and mottos are written on them to call for good health, longevity and happiness. Presents are given, often using flowers for a message of good fortune: chrysanthemum for a long life, the peach blossom for luck, and the kumquat tree for prosperity.
    [Show full text]
  • LAN SU Master Species List 06-2021
    Lan Su Chinese Garden Master Species List by Bed Botanical Name Common Name Chinese Name Pinyin Code Bed 1N Indocalamus latifolius bamboo 箬竹属 ruò zhú shu B Bed 1W Kerria japonica 'Golden Guinea' kerria 棣棠花属 di tang hua shu S Trachelospermum asiaticum Asian jasmine 亚洲络石 ya zhou luo shi V Bed 1E Pinellia cordata miniature green dragon 半夏属 ban xia shu H Bletilla ochracea yellow ground orchid 白及属 báijí shǔ H Liriope spicata lilyturf 山麦冬属 shān mài dōng shǔ G Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' dwarf mondo grass 沿阶草属 yan jie cao shu G Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla lysimachia 珍珠菜属 zhēn zhū cài shǔ H Oxalis crassipes Chinese sorrel 酢浆草属 zuò jiāng căo shŭ H Camellia 'Bob's Tinsie' camellia 山茶属 shān chá shù S Gardenia 'Kleim's Hardy' Kleim's hardy gardenia 栀子属 zhi zi shu S Epimedium grandiflorum 'Rose Queen' goat plant; bishop's hat 淫羊藿属 yín yáng huò shǔ G Begonia grandis var. evansiana Chinese begonia 秋海棠 qiū hǎitáng H Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum Chinese fringe flower 继木属 ji mu shu S Dichroa febrifuga evergreen hydrangea 黄常山 huang chang shan S Bletilla striata terrestrial orchid 白及属 báijí shǔ H Gardenia 'Kleim's Hardy' Kleim's hardy gardenia 栀子属 zhi zi shu S Osmanthus fragrans sweet olive 木犀属 mù xī shǔ T Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum Chinese fringe flower 继木属 ji mu shu S Gardenia 'Kleim's Hardy' Kleim's hardy gardenia 栀子属 zhi zi shu S Bletilla striata 'Variegatum' terrestrial orchid 白及属 báijí shǔ H Pinellia cordata miniature green dragon 半夏属 ban xia shu H Epimedium grandiflorum 'Okuda's White' goat plant; bishop's hat 淫羊藿属 yín yáng huò shǔ G Magnolia delavayi mountain magnolia 木兰属 mù lán T Bed 2N 1 Lan Su Chinese Garden Master Species List by Bed Botanical Name Common Name Chinese Name Pinyin Code Camellia 'Taylor's Perfection' camellia 山茶属 shān chá shù S Rohdea japonica ten thousand years green 万年青属 wan nian qing shu G Musa basjoo hardy banana 芭蕉属 bā jiāo shu H Aspidistra elatior cast iron plant 蜘蛛抱蛋 zhī zhū bào dàn S Pyrossia sp.
    [Show full text]
  • Chinese Zodiac Trail
    CHINESE ZODIAC TRAIL Daily 10am–6pm Fridays until 9pm Closed 24–26 December, 1 January Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk A trail exploring the symbolism of animals in Eastern and Western traditions. The Pig The Horse The Monkey The Goat The Rooster The Ox The Rabbit The Tiger The Snake The Dragon The Dog The Rat ZODIAC TRAIL CHINESE and religious teaching – how do they compare? contrasting meanings, inherited through myth, folklore In European painting, these animals have similar or animal with sign. that year’s a given year are said to have personality traits associated and each year is by represented an animal. People born in the In calendar Chinese has astrology, a 12-year cycle, 1916 1928 1940 1952 1915 1927 1939 1951 The Dragon 1964 1976 1988 2000 The Rabbit 1963 1975 1987 1999 Room 55 Room 62 Uccello: Saint George and the Dragon about 1470 Mantegna: The Agony in the Garden about 1460 The Christian story of Saint George is a classic tale of In China, people born in the year of the rabbit are graceful good triumphing over evil: a knight in shining armour and stylish. They are known for their good manners and rescues the princess from being eaten by the menacing intelligent conversation, although they can sometimes be dragon. In Christian symbolism, the dragon represents shy and over-anxious. The rabbit is also associated with the devil, and is therefore a figure of fear and destruction. the moon, since the legendary ‘Jade Rabbit’ lived in the The word comes from draco, the Latin for snake, and night sky with the goddess of the moon.
    [Show full text]
  • 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs Chinese Zodiac Animals Have Lucky Meanings
    12 Chinese Zodiac Signs Chinese zodiac animals have lucky meanings. Chinese people associate each animal with certain characteristics. It's believed that people born in a given year have the personality of that year's animal. What's Your Zodiac Animal? Each zodiac animal's year comes around every 12 years, and each year is associated with a zodiac animal. The most recent zodiac sign years are shown below. Each Chinese zodiac animal has personality traits assigned to it by the ancient Chinese. Chinese people believe these traits will be embodied in people, according to their zodiac sign. Zodiac Animal Recent Years Personality Traits Rat 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind Ox 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 Diligent, dependable, strong, determined Tiger 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 Brave, confident, competitive Rabbit 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 Quiet, elegant, kind, responsible Dragon 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic Snake 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 Enigmatic, intelligent, wise Horse 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 Animated, active, energetic Goat 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 Calm, gentle, sympathetic Monkey 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 Sharp, smart, curiosity Rooster 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 Observant, hardworking, courageous Dog 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 Lovely, honest, prudent Pig 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 Compassionate, generous, diligent The Chinese Zodiac Story - The Zodiac Rankings Race There are 12 Chinese zodiac signs, in the following order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
    [Show full text]
  • Arginine Kinase from Haemonchus Contortus Decreased The
    Ehsan et al. Parasites & Vectors (2017) 10:311 DOI 10.1186/s13071-017-2244-z RESEARCH Open Access Arginine kinase from Haemonchus contortus decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of goat PBMCs in vitro Muhammad Ehsan1, WenXiang Gao1, Javaid Ali Gadahi1,2, MingMin Lu1, XinChao Liu1, YuJian Wang1, RuoFeng Yan1, LiXin Xu1, XiaoKai Song1 and XiangRui Li1* Abstract Background: Arginine kinase (AK), an important member of phosphagen kinase family has been extensively studied in various vertebrates and invertebrates. Immunologically, AKs are important constituents of different body parts, involved in various biological and cellular functions, and considered as immune-modulator and effector for pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, immunoregulatory changes of host cells triggered by AK protein of Haemonchus contortus,a parasitic nematode of ruminants, are still unknown. The current study was focused on cloning and characterisation of Hc-AK, and its regulatory effects on cytokines level, cell migration, cell proliferation, nitric oxide production and apoptosis of goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were observed. Methods: The full-length sequence of the Hc-AK gene was amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sub-cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-32a. The biochemical characteristics of recombinant protein Hc-AK, which was purified by affinity chromatography, were performed based on the enzymatic assay. Binding of rHc-AK with PBMCs was confirmed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect localisation of Hc-AK within adult worms sections. The immunoregulatory effects of rHc-AK on cytokine secretions, cell proliferation, cell migration, nitric oxide production and apoptosis were determined by co-incubation of rHc-AK with goat PBMCs.
    [Show full text]
  • Investigation of Brucellosis Caused by Raw Goat Milk — Fujian Province, China, April–June, 2019
    China CDC Weekly Outbreak Reports Investigation of Brucellosis Caused by Raw Goat Milk — Fujian Province, China, April–June, 2019 Mu Di1,2,&; Zhongfa Tao1,2,3,&; Weiping Hua4; Jiandong Chen4; Jingming Cao4; Yanqin Deng5; Huihui Liu2; Lijie Zhang2; Yishan Chen6; Qiulan Chen1; Wenwu Yin1,# carried out a general investigation of brucellosis among Summary livestock. The targeted prevention and control What is already known about this topic? recommendations were put forward to determine the Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic source of the epidemic and risk factors, and onsite diseases in China. Goat milk and dairy products are investigations were carried out. essential pathways for foodborne transmission of brucellosis. Pasteurization can completely kill Brucella INVESTIGATION AND RESULTS spp. in milk, and milk-borne transmission is mainly related to unhealthy dietary hygiene habits and The suspected case definition was as follows: onset insufficient epidemic control among animals. of patient illness occurred during the period from What is added by this report? January 1 to July 3, 2019; residents of Zhangping City This epidemic is the first outbreak of brucellosis in with fever, hyperhidrosis, muscle or joint pain, or Zhangping City, Fujian Province. A total of 6 fatigue; patient symptoms might be accompanied by confirmed cases were found, and the onset time was liver, spleen, lymph nodes, testicular swelling, and from April to June 2019. The investigation suggested other manifestations; and the rose Bengal test (RBT) that the transmission chain of the epidemic included a result was positive. The confirmed case definition was private butcher, an infected goat from the north, a as follows: a serum (tube) agglutination test (SAT) of dairy farmer, close contact spread, unsterilized goat titer ≥1∶100; or a suspected case with isolated Brucella milk, and consumers drinking raw goat milk.
    [Show full text]
  • Are You an Ox? a Discovery Discussion for the Chinese New Year
    Chinese New Year Are You an Ox? A discovery discussion for the Chinese New Year Plan a discussion about Chinese New Year and the Year of the Ox. Learn about the history of the holiday and some of the customs. Use our discussion and related printables to engage participants in celebrating the Year of the Ox. Props & Preparations • Print copies of the Who’s Who on the Chinese Zodiac Calendar. • Print copies of the Zodiac Circle and Compatibility Chart to use as a reference and to distribute to participants when presenting the “Understanding the Chinese Zodiac” portion of this activity. Are You an Ox? Introduction The Chinese New Year for 2021—the Year of the Ox—starts on Friday, February 12, and begins the Spring Festival, which ends on February 22. Based on a lunar rather than solar calendar, the date of the Chinese New Year varies from year to year, but it always occurs between January 21 and February 21. The reason the date changes is because it begins at sundown on the day of the second new moon following the winter solstice (which occurs around December 21). The Chinese New Year is celebrated by almost one-third of the world’s population. People in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, North Korea, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei, and Singapore, plus many in Western countries like the United States, Canada, England, Germany, and Australia will all mark the new year on February 12. Here’s how to say “Happy New Year!” in Chinese: Xīn nián kuài lè! ©ActivityConnection.com – Are You an Ox? – Page 1 of 6 Why is 2021 considered the Year of the Ox? Understanding the Chinese Zodiac Let’s start with the handout Who’s Who on the Chinese Zodiac Calendar.
    [Show full text]
  • Zodiac Shǔxiàng ​属 相
    ◀ Zhuang Comprehensive index starts in volume 5, page 2667. Zodiac Shǔxiàng ​属 相 In China the zodiac is based on a calendrical system rather than on the stars. In a repeat- ing sixty-year​­ cycle twelve earthly “branches” operate in conjunction with ten heavenly “stems.” Each earthly branch has an animal associated with it; each stem is associated with one of the two primordial, complemen- tary forces of Chinese cosmology. hereas the Western zodiac is determined by the constellations that travel through the plane of the Earth’s orbit against the celestial sphere, the Chinese zodiac is connected more closely with the Chi- nese calendrical system than with the stars. An ancient Chinese system of measuring time made use of a repeat- ing sixty-year​­ cycle whose component years combined ten heavenly “stems” and twelve earthly “branches.” Each of The ox, not surprisingly a symbol of hard the earthly branches has an animal associated with it— work and dependability, can also be stubborn. hence, the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. The year 2009 is the Year of the Ox. From the The first earthly branch is symbolized by the rat (or Kailun Zodiac Collection of books. Berkshire mouse). The second is symbolized variously by the ox, Publishing. the cow, or the water buffalo. The third is symbolized by the tiger. The fourth is symbolized by the rabbit (or the cat). The fifth earthly branch is usually symbolized by the animals and why they appear in the order they do. One dragon. The sixth earthly branch is symbolized by the story explains how the cat came to be left out of the zo- snake; the seventh by the horse; the eighth by the goat or diac (it was because of trickery on the part of the rat) and sheep; the ninth by the monkey; the tenth by the chicken explains the mortal enmity between the two.
    [Show full text]