2003 is Year of the Ram

Models of the Ram on sale in a Brunei shop. Pic: Rudolf Portillo

This culture has also become a typical trend among other races in the world whereby some may encounter foretold experiences in accordance with the Chinese calendar. However the signs should not make people believe totally in these predictions coming true. If anything, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy, given mankind's imaginative ways.

January 31 2003 is the last day of Year of the Horse and the New Chinese Calendar will begin on February 1 2003, and will end on January 21, 2004. The year placed under the signs of the symbolic animal of Ram and commonly known to be the Year of the Goat. Many of us are confuse whether is a Ram, Goat or Sheep Year but the Bulletin has identified that the actual signs of Chinese horoscope this Year is the Year of the Ram.

The Ram is an emblem of filial piety, because it kneels when it suckles its mother. It also symbolises the male principle, yang - the Chinese word for sheep. The difference between sheep and goats in the Far East was customarily fairly vague, with goats being known as "sheep of the mountains". In Tibet and Mongolia, nomadic tribes planted sheep bones in ground in winter, in the belief that the earth would be fruitful in spring, lambs would be born as a result.

According to Chinese legend, five magicians met in the city of Canton in South China. Each of them rode a ram, and each ram carried a stalk of grain in its mouth. The stalks of grain were distributed to the local people with the wish that they should never suffer from want or famine. Then later, the five magicians then vanished in an instant and the rams were turned to stone. Consequently even to the present day, Canton is still sometimes called the City of Ram.

A Ram personality is gentle and amiable, appreciates the fine, creative things in life. Furthermore the Ram is sensitive to its environment, and is the most peaceful of the 12 Chinese animals. A Ram in love aspects is a sensitive creature, and its sympathies and feelings rule it. It is known to be demanding in love, but is inclined to provide everything, particularly its heart. Furthermore a Ram in career is very sensitive to the politics and pressures within its working environment, and instinctively eludes getting itself wrapped up in professional confrontations.

Those who born in the Year of Ram are told that although this is their own year, it is generally an unsettled time. They will achieve the best results if they avoid rash behavior. Try to watch people and events carefully, then decide upon the correct course of action.

The approaching Chinese New Year (Feb 1 2003) will be held in less than three weeks and most of the major shopping centres are now going big on Chinese celebration preparations. The colour red is an important sign for the Chinese people whereby it signifies prosperity in life. Traditional Chinese plants such as 'fortune plant' are among the top selling products now.

Most of the Chinese people will need to do extra shopping for the celebration whereby their relatives and friends will make visits to their residence. The young children and the young people who are not married yet will look forward to this occasion because they will receive huge amounts of "Angpow" (Red packets) and oranges as symbol of prosperity whereby it resembles gold.

In a Bulletin interview with one of the Chinese communities in the country, 'Alice' explained that this year would be a good year because the Ram is not a fierce animal. However it depends on individual luck she added.

Next Year, January 22, 2004, will be the Year of Monkey but that will be another story to tell. Whatever it may be, this will be an extra bonus for businesses in the country whereby another celebration is upcoming and people will be busy purchasing goods as to meet the occasion - amidst smiling shopkeepers.

 

ARE YOU A RAM?

Those who are born under the Year of Ram starts from 13th February 1907 to 1st February 1908, 1st February 1919 to 19th February 1920, 17th February 1931 to 5th February 1932, 5th February 1943 to 24th January 1944, 24th January 1955 to 11th February 1956, 9th February 1967 to 29th February 1968, 28th January 1979 to 15 February 1980,15th February 1991 to 3rd February 1992, 1st February 2003 to 21st January 2004. What being a Ram means: The Ram is an emblem of filial piety, because it kneels when it suckles its mother. It also symbolises the male principle, yang - the Chinese word for sheep. This year would be a good year because a Ram is not a fierce animal but it depends on individual luck. It is the most peaceful of the twelve-Chinese animals. A Ram in love is a sensitive creature, and its sympathies and feelings rule it. It is demanding in love, but is inclined to provide everything, particularly its heart.