Chinese New Year: The Year of the Fire Rooster
The Year of the Fire Monkey is finally coming to an end, following months of dragged out chaos and, well, a whole lot of monkey business. Did the Monkey play to its strength: changeability, or its weakness: foolishness?
On Saturday, January 28th, we will ring in the lunar new year — the Year of the Fire Rooster. The Rooster is the tenth animal in the Chinese Zodiac, and was an important fixture in the daily lives of ancient people in China. In ancient China, the rooster was regarded as a mascot since they ate harmful insects. More on the Rooster in a bit.
The Chinese Zodiac is comprised of 12 animals: the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each of these animals represent a year in the twelve year lunar cycle.
The order in which the twelve animals were placed was dictated by “The Great Race.” There are many accounts as to what transpired during the race, but here’s our favorite retelling…
“The Great Race”
Many, many centuries ago, the Emperor of China was given the task of deciding which animal should come first in the Chinese Zodiac. The Emperor had twelve animals on his land to choose from, and upon learning of the ordeal, the animals began to argue over which amongst them should be first.
Each animal did anything and everything they could to convince the Emperor why they were the best choice. The animals argued so much, they began to neglect their assigned duties. Soon after, the Emperor discovered his crops withering, and his land in ruins from neglect.
The Emperor decided enough is enough, and declared a race — a Great Race — to determine which animal would lead the Chinese Zodiac.
Upon hearing the Emperor’s proposal, the Rat was overcome with great self-doubt as he knew he was the smallest of the bunch. How could he stand a chance against the almighty Dragon or the speedy Horse? He began to train very hard, every day leading up to The Great Race, while the other animals didn’t train at all.
On the day of the race, all twelve of the animals ran full speed in hopes they would be the first to finish. At the halfway mark they were met by a wide, surging river, standing between them and the finish line. The fastest animals who reached the river first decided to take a leisurely break to drink from the river before braving the treacherous and unforgiving river. But, the Ox and the Rat, who ran slower were not as tired as the rest.
When the Rat saw the river, he realized he could never make it across on his own. However, the Ox, though a slow runner, was a powerful swimmer and began to make his way through the rushing water. The cunning Rat quickly followed the Ox into the river, pretending to drown in the shallow water. The kind-hearted Ox turned back to save the Rat, and allowed him to sit upon his back while he swam across the river.
Upon reaching the other side, the Rat quickly jumped off the Ox’s back and dashed across the finish line, claiming first place. Following the Rat was the furious Ox, then the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, which is now the order of the Chinese Zodiac as we know it.
The Year of the Rooster
Roosters are typically very observant, hardworking, courageous, talented, resourceful, and confident in nature. They also thrive in crowds, and though they may be chatty at times, they often turn out to be the most loyal of friends.
Don’t know if you’re a Rooster or not? Well, if you think you fit the description and were born in the years 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, or 2005 — this is your year!
However, it’s bad luck when your zodiac comes around in the 12 year cycle. According to Chinese astrology, people in their zodiac year offend Tai Sui (the God of Age), and Tai Sui will bring misfortune to those in zodiac years matching their birth year.
Roosters can turn their luck around this year, by putting Tai Sui behind you: face in the opposite direction of Jupiter. This year Jupiter is to the west, so face your bed, seats, and desks to the east. Roosters can also wear red and jade jewelry for good luck throughout 2017.
Horoscopes for The Year of the Fire Rooster
Rat
Rat Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Lucky Colors: Blue, gold, green
Luck Numbers: 2, 3, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Ox, Dragon, Rabbit
2017 Horoscope: Because of the flexibility of Rats, they will reap benefits in career and relationships. Workers will see an excellent professional upswing; look forward to promotions and wage increases in 2017. Great romance is in store for singles, while partnered Rats must focus on frequent and careful communication to avoid the misunderstandings and quarrels which they are prone to. Rats should listen closely to their stomachs, pay attention to alcohol intake, and focus on exercise.
Ox
Ox Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 2009
Lucky Colors: White, yellow, green
Luck Numbers: 1, 4, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Rat, Monkey, Rooster
2017 Horoscope: Oxes will face unexpected career setbacks this year, however they will enjoy great love trends, financial fortune, and great health. Oxes’ luck in respect to wealth will greatly improve throughout 2017. Unexpected fortunes are on the horizon. However, there is a possibility of losing wealth; Oxes must be diligent if deciding to expand business or to invest. Career-oriented Oxes will enjoy a prosperous year, easily earning approval and agreement from supervisors, leading to new opportunities. Passion for love will cool in 2017, as Oxes shift focus and effort toward their careers. Males born in 1973 or 2009, and females born in 1949 or 1985 must pay careful attention this year, as they are especially prone to accidents in 2017.
Tiger
Tiger Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 2010
Lucky Colors: Blue, gray, orange
Luck Numbers: 1, 3, 4, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Dragon, Horse, Pig
2017 Horoscope: Tigers will face a rocky year in 2017, but someone will be able to help them a lot. They will receive financial help from someone as they face bad luck in the wealth department. Tigers must avoid joint investments to prevent losing everything, and can attempt to turn their luck around by donating to charity. Despite facing financial challenges, Tigers will learn new skills and enjoy auspicious circumstances in their professional lives, bringing new opportunities for career advancement. Tigers looking for love in 2017 will find be disappointed; ask elders for help as matchmakers to spark a new connection. Partnered tigers — especially those in new relationships — will find themselves in rocky waters. Be cautious while going out or driving in 2017, as risk of accidents will tremendously increase. Donate blood after February 4th to break the cycle of bad luck.
Rabbit
Rabbit Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 2011
Lucky Colors: Red, pink, purple, blue
Luck Numbers: 3, 4, 6, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Rat, Ram, Monkey, Dog
2017 Horoscope: Rabbits will face many challenges in 2017, with many ups and downs in their personal finances, careers, love lives, and health. Rabbits must do everything in person and work hard to be rewarded with pay raises this year; they must avoid joint financial investments and rethink new investments or business ventures. Heavy pressure at work and new problems will arise at work, and a change in work environment may be required. Personal relationships may breakdown for Rabbits; be weary of fake friends. Rabbits may break the bad luck cycle in their love lives in 2017 by getting married. Otherwise, relationships will probably end this year.
Dragon
Dragon Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2012
Lucky Colors: Gold, silver, light gray
Luck Numbers: 1, 6, 7, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Rat, Tiger, Snake
2017 Horoscope: The overall good fortune for Dragons is good in 2017, and bad luck can be turned around through strong interpersonal relationships. Dragons wanting to make a radical career change should start a new business venture or invest in a project to make gains in wealth this year. Those working in sales, insurance, and beauty will have great fortune in 2017. Dragons should jump at the opportunity for a business trip, as it will lead to career advancements and development. Jealousy and love triangles will lead to problems for Dragons in their love lives this year; do not fall into temptation. Dragons in a steady relationship should take the next step by getting married in 2017 for good luck.
Snake
Snake Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2013
Lucky Colors: Black, red, yellow
Luck Numbers: 2, 8, 9, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Dragon, Rooster
2017 Horoscope: Snakes will enjoy great luck in 2017, but must keep their wits about themselves in the latter part of the year. Snakes will enjoy unexpected windfalls in 2017. Those in business will have the chance to expand their ventures in 2017, and will lead their teams toward success with ease. Businesspeople will also have good luck with investments. Single snakes will have an uneventful year for love, but will have many chances to meet “the one” if they are willing to seek the help of an older matchmaker. Married snakes must take care of their partners to avoid a third party stepping in, and should take their partners out more to warm up their relationship. Bad moods and increased work pressure will lead Snakes to suffer from lack of sleep; they must especially pay attention to their mental health.
Horse
Horse Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2014
Lucky Colors: Green, yellow
Luck Numbers: 2, 3, 7, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Ram, Tiger
2017 Horoscope: Horses will have a steady year for careers and be in Cupid’s favor this year, however, they will endure hard blows to health, and wealth will not change much. Horses will receive support from a female towards a promotion at work, which may lead to a pay increase or expansion in business in 2017. Businesspeople will do good business in 2017, particularly those who sell jewelry, clothes, and beauty products. Horses must look out for competition in the workplace. Horses will prosper in their love lives this year; those in steady relationships will want to build a family and get married in 2017. Single Horses will meet “the one,” and may be able to expedite the process with the help of an older female matchmaker. Married Horses must curb the temptation of any third party. Horses should beware of metal objects and take care of their respiratory system, heart and blood vessels, stomach, and urinary system through regularly exercise, physical examinations, and elimination of any hidden dangers.
Ram
Ram Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2015
Lucky Colors: Brown, red, purple
Luck Numbers: 2, 7, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Rabbit, Horse, Pig
2017 Horoscope: Rams will have bad luck in 2017, and may feel easily passive and helpless as things go wrong. Rams will be on a tight budget in 2017, as Tai Sui will not help them increase their fortunes. They will need to expend great effort in order to be rewarded, and will face a year of learning and studying. Rams will face heavier workloads and increase responsibilities at work, but their diligence will be rewarded well. Single Rams will need to work hard to find love in 2017, and all Rams should focus on expanding their social networks. Married Rams will be affected by pressure from work and may be in a bad mood; try to create romantic situations to bring your partner unexpected and pleasant results.
Monkey
Monkey Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2016
Lucky Colors: White, gold, blue
Luck Numbers: 4, 9, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Ox, Rabbit
2017 Horoscope: Following their unlucky year, Monkeys will enjoy good luck in 2017. However, they must be mindful that not all the bad luck has worn off. Monkeys will enjoy wealth mainly from their careers this year, as their efforts at work will be rewarded. They must seize new opportunities to develop their careers, and those looking to make a career change should seek advice from their elders. Monkeys who work in the fields of design, advertising, or other creative services will enjoy a smooth year of work. Single ladies will meet their match in 2017, and married couples should avoid close contact with third parties, or face family conflicts. Monkeys may not completely rid themselves of bad luck until the Fall, and should be mindful of their health; exercise more and focus on rounding out diets.
Rooster
Rooster Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993
Lucky Colors: Gold, brown, yellow
Luck Numbers: 5, 7, 8, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Ox, Snake
2017 Horoscope: Offending Tai Sui in their zodiac cycle, Roosters will have more woe than weal in 2017; however, Roosters will enjoy building romantic fortune and wealth toward the end of the year. Roosters will need to work very hard in their careers in 2017, however two lucky stars will bring Roosters in leadership and creative fields success and recognition. 2017 is a good year for Roosters to get married — even if they don’t have enough time or money to prepare. These problems will be overcome by true love. If relationships do not progress this year, Roosters should consider breaking up with their partners — especially those who are 24 or 36 years old. Single Roosters will have the chance to find a partner, but they may not enjoy a steady relationship. Roosters ought to pay more attention to safety and wellness in 2017; watch out for steps and obey traffic rules while driving. Charitable donations may increase Roosters’ luck throughout the year.
Dog
Dog Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994
Lucky Colors: Red, green, purple
Luck Numbers: 3, 4, 9, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Rabbit
2017 Horoscope: People born in the year of the Dog will not have much luck in 2017. Dogs will not have a good year for wealth gains, and must work harder than last year if they want to be rewarded. Dogs planning to purchase a home in 2017 need to understand the home’s condition well in the event they become stuck in a lawsuit. Opportunities for career advancement will come at a price — double the effort. Creative work may impress others and lead to new opportunities. Single Dogs have very little chance of being in a relationship, and while they may meet someone special there will be many competing suitors. Partnered Dogs need to spend more time with their significant other; neglect will lead to the destruction of their relationship. Dogs must pay attention to their physical condition, particularly their respiratory system, cervical vertebrae, and urinary system.
Pig
Pig Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995
Lucky Colors: Yellow, gray, brown, gold
Luck Numbers: 2, 5, 8, and numbers containing them
Love Compatibility: Ram, Tiger, Rabbit
2017 Horoscope: Pigs will not see much change in their luck from the previous year. It’s not a lucky year regarding wealth, love, or health, however, there will be an opportunity for them to develop their career. Pigs seeking to accumulate wealth in 2017 must spend more energy on their career to bring some good luck. However, there is no good luck when it comes to investments, partnerships, or guarantees. Pigs who work hard and make use of their social skills will be rewarded in 2017. They will meet people from different fields, and people who can assist in career development. Pigs should be weary of the legality of their work activities, as they may end up in court. There will be no improvement for Pigs in the love department in 2017. Married Pigs must not forget to care for their partner and arrange to spend more time with them. Pigs need to avoid dangerous activities as they will be prone to accidental injuries and falls.
