Be Well BlogHappy Lunar New Year!
- Article | Patient Education | Uncategorized Jan 24, 2020
- Nini Mai, DACM
Welcome to the Year of the Rat!
The Chinese zodiac is a system of telling time that has been in use for over 2000 years. The calendrical cycle is 60 years long and consists of 12 year cycles that themselves cycle through the 5 elements. These 12 year cycles are recognized by the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.
The Lunar New Year of 2020 is the Year of the Rat and marks the beginning of a new 12-year cycle. As the story goes, the ancient Jade Emperor invited all the animals to a racing contest to determine the naming of the years. The first animal across the finish line would be named the first animal in the zodiac, and so on.
The ox was leading the way, and the rat, seeing that his chances of winning on his own were less likely, convinced the ox to let him ride on his head. At the last minute, the rat jumped ahead and crossed the finish line first, thus being named the first animal of the zodiac.
Much like the clever little rodent, the energetics of the year is all about taking opportunities when you see them. Rats are a symbol of optimism, adaptiveness, and abundance. This year is the year of the Metal Rat, which means there is a likelihood of reaping the benefits of hard labor and defining boundaries. Much like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others, taking care of yourself first will enable you to accomplish more this year.
2020 marks the beginning of a new decade in the Gregorian calendar and the beginning of a new cycle in the Lunar calendar. My hopes are high for a renewed sense of goodness in the world this coming year.