7
spring 98
199
Welcomes
By Sylvia Mo
At midnight on January 28,1998, we entered the year
with a fierce roar from the Earth Tiger. What does that
mean and why are Chinese years named after an ani
mal?
Dating back to an old legend, Buddha honors every
year after one of the twelve faithful animals that
attended his feast before he left the mortal world. In
the order they arrived, the 12-year lunar cycle consists
of the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Rooster, Pig, Dog, Snake,
Dragon, Goat, Horse and Monkey.
During an animal's particular years, it influences
and effects world events, as well as the personality
and fate of the other animal signs for that year.
Like the animal itself, the Year of the Tiger signifies
dynamic activity, so expect fast changes, quick actions
and instructive yet sometimes agitated times in this
year that has just started for us.
With all the excitement this rebellious and restless
animal promises, the Chinese have characterized Tiger
years with universal upheaval, breakthrough discov
ery and political ferment (If you need proof of the vali-
dady of the Tiger Year predictions, need I go any fur
ther than Clinton's intern problems?).
Did you know that some inventions associated with
previous Tieer years included the touch tone phone,
automatic clock, pop-up toaster, microscope, camera,
traffic light and satellite?
Many significant infrastructure projects were also
completed in Tiger years, such as the Panama Canal in
1914, the Aswan Dam in 1902 and the Trans-Iranian
railway.
Despite thrilling and productive changes, Chinese
history indicates that these years also tend to bring
disastrous droughts, high winds, earthquakes and
possibility of war and financial crisis (1914 and 1938
were Tiger years).
Already this year, intense rain and unusual weather
atterns around the world have been blamed on the
reakish natural phenomenon El Nino — an manifesta
tion of the Tiger ^s predictions?
You don't need to worry too much, but do know
when to pounce and when to linger, for "Timing is
everything in life," warns the Tiger. Those who are
daring and brave should fare best during the Tiger
Year, but the meek and timid should watch their step.
On a happier note, like a Tigress and her cubs, this
year is filled with love and renewed affection. So,
there may be marriages soon to come!
However, forego any temptations to embark on any
illicit flings, for dangerous repercussions may occur.
Ending on a more personal level, the Tiger affects
each individual animal in a different way. Since the
Tiger dominates this year, the Pig, Tiger's best friend,
should have a great and successful year.
The Horse and Dog, teammates of the Tiger, should
also do well. However, the Monkey should heed cau
tion and avoid confronting the ruling boss of the year.
All others fall in between these extremes.
Enjoy the Tiger year and for those who want the
year to end, you will have to wait for the Rabbit year
to begin February 15,1999.
Year of the Tiger