Chinese Zodiac Swap

This swap came along when I was thinking about creating a culture book for Ty. I don't intend to use these squares in his quilt - but just in a book about China for him. The zodiac squares and information will be accompanied by information on the Chinese provinces. I will probably add Chinese Festivals to this book - and then transition to American states and celebrations. Enjoy the zodiac! You might learn something interesting about yourself. Ty is a rabbit, Caitlin is a tiger, Tony is a dragon - and I am a sheep. At least two of us are domesticated!

Sue Golden (Year of the Horse) gave this nice summary of the Chinese Zodiac:

The Chinese animal signs are based on a 12-year cycle. Every year is assigned an animal name or "sign" according to a repeating cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar. Therefore, every twelve years the same animal name of "sign" would reappear. The Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, In the Chinese calendar, the beginning of the year falls somewhere between late January and early February. The Chinese have adopted the Western calendar since 1911, but the lunar calendar is still used for festive occasions such as the Chinese New Year. Many Chinese calendars will print both the solar dates and the Chinese lunar dates.


The Rabbit
Chinese Zodiac
1915,1927,1939,1951, 1963,1975,1987,1999

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, graceful, cultured, well-
mannered, talented and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have
excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired and trusted. Although they get along
well with many people, at heart they are basically reserved creatures, and are
only truly happy when engrossed in some sort of scholarly or intellectual activity.

It is said that they make ideal diplomats or politicians. They are fond of gossip
but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. they
are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract, but
may be anxious when others force them tot take risks. Oddly though, they would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise and security is very important to a rabbit.

Rabbits create peaceful and comfortable atmospheres (like rabbit dens). There is importance to them in the smallest of details. They are very hospitable and attentive and take care of those around them. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig and Dog.

The Zuccos in Montgomery, AL
Tony, Honour and Caitlin
Uniting this summer with our son and brother Ty
Waiting for us in Guizhou, China


Year of the Dragon
1940,1952,1964,1976,1988,2000,2012

The dragon enjoys a very high reputation in Chinese culture.
It is the token of authority, dignity, honor, success, luck, and
capacity. in ancient China, a dragon was thought to speed across the sky
with divine power. Emperors entitled themselves exclusively as "dragon": their
thrones were called "dragon thrones" and their clothes "dragon gowns." The
dragon is the symbol of power and wealth.

people under the dragon sign are lively, energetic and fortunate. They are born
leaders and strive for perfection. The dragon is the 5th zodiac and their season is Spring. When they meet with difficulties, they are not discouraged. They can be a little arrogant, and impatient. They are very ambitious and confident as well. People born in the Year of the dragon are well suited to be an artist, priest or politician. A few dragons are: Susan B Anthony, Joan of Arc, Sigmund Freud and John Lennon. They are most compatible with the Monkey and the Rat.

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.
~Emily Dickinson

Best wishes,
Robert, Dawn, Catherine and Iain Logan-Brown
Brighton, Michigan
Waiting for Maura LID 080107


Year of the Snake
1965,1977,1989,2001,2013

Snakes say little and possess great wisdom.
They never have to worry about money as they are financially fortunate.
They can be vain, selfish and a little stingy.
but they have tremendous sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate.
Although they are calm on the surface, they are intense and passionate.

Love to you,
Deb in Cincinnati, OH
Momma to Aidan - home forever 01Jun2007
Guatemala


Year of the Horse
1918,1930,1942,1954,1966,1978,1990,2002

People born in the year of the Horse are popular. They are cheerful, skillful with money, and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much. They are wise, talented, good with their hands, and sometimes have a weakness for members of the opposite sex. They are impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their daily work. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are very independent and rarely listen to advice. They are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs and Sheep.

You are a hard worker.
You are independent, intelligent and friendly.
You can be a bit selfish.
You will find success as an adventurer, scientist or poet.

Sue & Robert Golden
Madison, WI
LID: 7-14-06


Year of the Sheep
1943,1955,1967,1979,1991,2003

Elegant and creative
Timid
prefers anonymity
Good with Boars and Rabbits,but never with the Ox

In a world where you can be anything...
Be Yourself.

Best Wishes,
The Torneten's
Lee, Dawn, Jake and Jenna LiFei
Heath, TX


The Sign of the Monkey
1908,1920,1932,1944,1956,1968,1980,1992,2004

Monkeys are fun-loving people who really enjoy a good time with friends, family or anyone else for that matter. They love practical jokes and like to play tricks on colleagues and friends alike. Monkeys tend to stir up trouble simply out of boredom, which can end up being more hurtful than they intended. Often, when this causes trouble, they expect others to understand it was all a joke and to deal with the consequences on their own.

Monkeys are curious creatures as well. Some people call them nosy. Others call them interested. The Chinese say they are just downright curious. Although gifted with a strong intellect, creativity and intuition are not their fortes. They can't put themselves in your shoes even in they try and will become easily distracted or confused.

Monkeys can run circles around other people with ease. They are curious and clever people who catch on quickly to most anything. Monkey people generally can accomplish any given task. They appreciate difficult or challenging work as it stimulates them and makes them think.

Ninth in order in the twelve-year cycle

The Monkeys color is gold.

May you always have enough love to share!

Kymberly, Leon, Ky-Le (Hunan, PRC) & Ay-La (Jiangxi, PRC)
Round Rock, TX


Year of the Rooster
1945,1957,1969,1981,1993,2005

A Pioneer in spirit
Devoted to work
Quest after knowledge
Selfish and eccentric

Snakes & oxen are fine.
Rabbits are trouble.

Wheresoever you go,
go with all your heart.
--Confucius
(born in the Year of the Rooster)

Best Wishes,
The Torneten's
Lee, Dawn, Jake, and Jenna LiFei
Heath, TX


Year of the Dog
1970,1982,1994,2006,2018

Dogs have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest and inspire other people's confidence.
They can be selfish, terribly stubborn and eccentric.
They care little for wealth but always seem to have money.
They make good leaders.

Love to you,
Deb in Cincinnati, OH
Momma to Aidan - home forever 01Jun2007
Guatemala


Pig
1935,1947,1959,1971,1983,1995,2007,2019,2031

Pure of heart, Boar people are generous and kind. Full of inner strength and courage, they can take on any task. A friend who listens, the Boar is sincere and trustworthy. They are driven by their passion for life.

Compatible with: Tiger, Rabbit, Rat and Ram
Non-Compatible with: Snake

May your journey find you fulfillment
Karrie and chuck Mikulus
7 blends of perfection to complete one family


Rat
1912,1924,1936,1948,1960,1972,1984,1996,2008,2020

The rat is revered for its quick wits and its ability to accrue and hold onto items of value; rats are considered a symbol of good luck and wealth in both China and Japan. The rat of the Chinese zodiac is clever and quick-witted. Possessed of excellent taste, the rat flaunts its style at every turn. its natural charm and sharp, funny demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone. The rat likes to know who is on its side and will treat its most loyal friends with an extra measure of protection and generosity.

Behind that sweet smile, though, rats are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas. Rats are motivated by their own interests, which often include money; greed can become a problem if the Rat isn't careful to keep its priorities straight. The rat's natural powers of charm and persuasion can definitely come in handy! Although they are often hoarders, rats can be very generous to those in their pack, namely friends and family members who have proven their loyalty. Others might perceive them as quick-tempered and sharp-tongued, but never boorish.

Rats enjoy being on the outside looking in, as the outside affords a view into the inner workings of a system or situation. The rat's keen mind always seeks out new knowledge, to be stored away for future use. This ever curious sign also welcomes challenges as a way to stay sharp. if boredom sets in the rat is no fun at all, but that isn't likely; the rat knows how to keep itself entertained.

Wishing you love and happiness,
The Pie Family


Year of the Ox
1925,1937,1949,1961,1973,1985,1997,2009

A born leader, you inspire confidence from all
around you. You are conservative, methodical
and good with your hands. Guard against being
chauvinistic and always demanding your own way.
The Ox would be successful as a skilled surgeon,
general or hairdresser.

Wishing you all the best!
The Franklins
Londonderry, NH
LID 4/29/2006 for Susann


Year of the Tiger
1962,1974,1986,1998,2010

Tigers are sensitive, deep thinkers and are capable of great sympathy. They can be short-tempered, can not make up their own minds are are suspicious of others...but they are powerful and courageous.

Love to you -
Deb in Cincinnati, OH
Momma to Aidan - home forever 01 June 2007
Guatemala