1st February 2022 New Year’s Day
2022 is the year of the Tiger. The colour for this year is orange.
Chinese Astrology
China was one of the earliest civilisations with many quality items, such as silks and fine pottery, traded via the 4,000 miles of the ‘silk route’. Chinese astrology was first recorded in writing about 2,500 years ago and would have been taught in the caravans and camel trains across Asia to Eastern Europe. Like many astrology signs, there are 12 annual Chinese constellations. They are all animals. There is a traditional story that the Jade Emperor called for all the animals of the country and told them they must race each other to the Heavenly Gate in the sky. Rat awoke very early and on his way, he encountered a swift flowing river. Then he noticed Ox about to cross and so he jumped into Ox's back. The lumbering Ox crossed the river easily and so Rat jumped off and won the race because he was cunning. Ox was second because of his diligence. Tiger came third, then Rabbit. Both are fast and competitive, but Tiger was a better swimmer. Rabbit got across by hopping on stepping stones and a floating log. The stunning Dragon was fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who wanted Dragon's son to be sixth. But Dragon's son wasn't there that day and Snake heard this and said Dragon was his adoptive father; so Snake ranked sixth. Horse and Goat then arrived because they were kind and each let the other go first. The Jade Emperor saw how polite Horse and Goat were and ranked them seventh and eighth. Monkey had fallen behind but he jumped between trees and stones, and came in ninth. Last were Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Finally, all twelve arrived to become esteemed guards of the Heavenly Gate. Each year is devoted to the twelve in this order. Added to these annual animal constellations are the yin and yang polarities and five elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth.
