Welcome to the year of the Pig! What does that really mean… Is it a fat year? A pink year? Will there be bacon?
The Chinese love a good pig, from pork slices marinated in exotic spices to a lazy and gluttonous part-human part-pig hero from the classic Journey to the West. But why a pig-year? For that matter why a snake, dragon, or rat year?
The common story told is of the Jade Emperor inviting all the animals to a great race. The order of the animal years is the order of their finish. The pig in fact; true to the stereotype, was the slowest. Which animal won? The rat, of course (he cheated). Yes it really was a rat race… There is a practical side to the 12 year cycle – you can usually figure out someone’s age by asking their sign.
In fact, the real history is unclear. But what is clear is that these yearly symbols are a boon to all sorts of industry. Every pork-seller in town has a picture or a stuffed pig reminding people to celebrate the pig! (by eating one). In truth, I have been amazed and impressed by how many ways the Chinese can decorate a pig. Even Starbucks has pig-themed gifts!
So have a wonderful pig-year! Ham it up! Pork out! …and remember to pray for China!
ChinaMoos 