Chinese astrology is based on a 12-year cycle represented by 12 animals often associated with 12 earthly branches. In the order in which they appear, these are: the rat (or mouse), the ox (or buffalo), the tiger, the rabbit (or hare), the dragon (or lizard), the snake, the horse, the goat (or sheep), the monkey, the rooster (or phoenix), the dog, and the pig (or boar).
Each year is associated with one of the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth, resulting finally in a cycle of sixty different years.
In 2014, the Wooden Horse will reign over the Chinese year, starting on the 1st of February 2014 and ending on the 18th of February 2015. It symbolizes inventiveness, evolution, action and thinking. The Horse is spirited and independent but is above all considered as industrious. He stands out with his creativity and constant need to go forward. A being full of goodness,he represents the spirit of the yellow river and embodies the Chinese people.
As with every year, the Post and Telecommunications Office celebrates the new Chinese zodiac sign and is pleased to present the new CHINESE HOROSCOPE stamp: the HORSE. |
