The Chinese New Year starts on Saturday, Jan. 28 (the new year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice), and this time around we are celebrating the Year of the Rooster.
So does that mean we all get to go out and crow about our accomplishments in 2016 and our ambition goals for 2017?
Not exactly, but this brash poultry could usher in a year of dramatic transformations, both on the personal front and in the global arena.
The Chinese calendar is based on 12 animals that follow a set cycle throughout the centuries, and is further determined by an additional cycle of elements.
The rooster is 10th in line, right after the monkey, who played havoc on the global and economic world in 2016.
But unlike the monkey, which is known for his curiosity, mischievousness and creativity, the rooster is a claws-firmly-on-the-ground worker who is dependable and responsible.
While the monkey likes to get into trouble and is a serious risk-taker, the industrious rooster is a creature who you can depend on.
Roosters are hard-working and resourceful, courageous and talented.
And, yeah, they are known to blow their own horn on occasions, since they have no shortage of self-confidence.
Chinese astrologists predict that this particular Year of the Rooster — which more specifically is the Year of the Fire Rooster (the most aggressive in the henhouse) — will see cocky world leaders take the world stage, provoking controversy and change (okay, so Donald J. Trump got an earlier start).
But the valiant rooster is also an idealist who is willing to fearlessly take on noble causes and challenges with a don’t-ruffle-my-feathers bravado as he struts through the year, encouraging progressive thoughts and daring radical views.
Don’t be surprised if 2017 welcomes in some unexpected political shockers.
The rooster can be quite judgmental and demanding, which means that world leaders of all stripes may find themselves taken to task for shortcomings or broken promises.
The rooster will keep the spotlight on their every action.
That means that to succeed this year, every person in power is going to have to strive to find a careful balance between diplomacy and aggression (speak softly and carry a big stick).
The rooster is a grasp-the-moment kind of animal, so he won’t have the patience to let the world stage stagnate in indecision and political posturing.
He will provoke action and reaction, in a rapid succession that may be dizzying for many.
But that there will be changes — major changes — in the international geopolitical landscape is a near certainty as 2017 comes home to roost.
And everyone knows that roosters like to get an early start on the day, so many of those surprise alterations may come earlier in the year than we might have expected.
Happy Year of the Rooster!
Thérèse Margolis can be reached at [email protected].
