BAÑOC
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).
Although Filipinos are dominated by the Christian religion, but in the hope of having more blessings especially in terms of business, we always mix our belief with that of the Chinese in the observants of the new year. We imitate them because as we notice they are successful particularly in their businesses.
Some are even fanatic in following the Chinese way of welcoming the new year. Many also observe the Chinese zodiac that 2017 is the year of the roosters. Such year will start from January 28, 2017 ( Chinese New Year) and last to February 15, 2018.
The date of the Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, not the Gregorian or Roman calendar, but is always somewhere in the period from January 21 to February 20. Such date is flexible, just like the adjustable dates in Christians’ observation of the Holy Week which is somewhere in the months of March or April.
Because 2017 is the year of the rooster, it is unavoidable that there are some who are serious enough in observing the characteristics of the rooster in connection to the “luck” that they would possibly obtain next year. Although others are just observing such belief slightly, many are just even having it for the sake of entertainment.
But for purposes of discussion, let us take a look on some characteristics of the the rooster according to the Chinese astrology. Roosters are described as resilient, brave, loyal, hardworking, astute, charming and witty. Roosters strive to always win, both at work and at play.
Roosters are happiest when they are surrounded by others, whether at a party or just a social gathering. They enjoy the spotlight and will exhibit their charm at any occasion. They expect others to listen to them while they speak, and can become agitated if others don’t.
Roosters, however, are boastful to brag about themselves and their accomplishments. Their continually seeking the attention of others sometimes irritates the people around them.
The rooster from the Chinese astrology is said to correspond with the Western sign of Virgo. The rooster is often associated with the sun because it crows at dawn. As the sun is the “king” of the solar system, the rooster is also a “king” in his proud mannerisms and remember his comb as a built-in crown. Hence, the Chinese in some occasions will use the rooster as a symbol in replacement of the sun.
Furthermore, the rooster conveys the impression of leadership, of high attainment, of exalted character and enlightened insight. Roosters are visionaries and alert to the opportunities that they can show their abilities in management and leadership.
Noticeably, there are lots of lucks if one follows the positive characteristics of the roosters as described by the Chinese astrologers. Among the important characteristics that are emphasized are that roosters are witty and hardworking.
Such formula to success is not far-fetched with the Christian beliefs. There are lots of similarities, but the common denominator is hard work, discipline and smart thinking. One will just be selective in choosing the positive values of the roosters to be applied with, and rejecting the negative ones.
For Christians, there is an additional advantage because on top of everything we believe that we have God to accompany us in our daily dealings. It is a nice chronology of events for us that we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus before we start for another year so that we are reminded that He is with us as we face the challenges of the upcoming year.
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means God is with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Hence, for Christians there is nothing to worry about. It does not matter what kind of animal is assigned in a certain year based on the Chinese calendar. What is important is hard work and faith to our God who said, “with Him all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).