Thailand Tales Untold

04/02/2024

The Chinese Zodiac: A Quirky Counting System
The Chinese have a unique and fascinating way of counting years, using a system called the "asterism years." This system is built on two intertwined cycles: the Heavenly stems and the earthly branches.
The Heavenly stems represent the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—each existing in either Yin or Yang form. This combination creates a total of 10 Heavenly stems.
Meanwhile, the earthly branches are comprised of 12 animals: the rat, cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
Each year is assigned a unique combination of a Heavenly stem and an earthly branch. For example, the year 2024 is known as the year of the Wood Yang Dragon.
Animal Archenemies
According to Chinese lore, each animal in the zodiac possesses a designated enemy. Finding this nemesis is simple: just look directly opposite your animal on the zodiac wheel. For the dragon, the enemy is none other than the loyal dog.

Why Dogs Beware the Dragon.
Legend has it that when the mighty dragon graces the scene, all other animals scurry away in fear. Except for the brave dog, who lets loose a resounding bark at the majestic creature. This act infuriates the dragon, leading to the belief that the Year of the Dragon bring misfortune to those born in the year of the Dog.

Beyond Misconceptions: The True Start of the Zodiac Year
There's a common misconception that the Chinese zodiac year begins on the Lunar New Year. However, this isn't entirely accurate. The true commencement actually occurs on the day of Li Chun, marking the start of spring in the Chinese calendar. This coincides with the first of 24 seasons within the calendar, and the date shifts year to year, typically falling between February 3rd and 5th. In 2024, Li Chun landed on February 4th.

Facing the Year of the Dragon: Dogged Determination
So, if you were born in the year of the Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018), then 2024 was your "asterism year." But fear not, fellow Dog! We might face some potential hurdles according to tradition, but remember, the Year of the Dragon also brings the potential for immense change and exciting opportunities. Let's rise to the occasion together, embrace the year's unique energy, and make the most of it!
Here's to a prosperous and exciting Wood Yang Dragon year!

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03/02/2024

The Kitchen God: Spy in the Sky

In old Chinese stories, the Kitchen God is like a guardian angel sent by Heaven to watch over every home. Besides keeping an eye out for fires, he's got a special side job as a spy for Heaven, monitoring the behavior of all family members.

On the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month of every year, the Kitchen God heads back to Heaven to give a report to the big boss, the Jade Emperor. The report spills the beans on the good and not-so-good things people did at home. This report decides if each person gets good luck or bad vibes in the next year.

To dodge any bad vibes, Chinese folks cook up a tasty meal for the Kitchen God and say some prayers, asking him to only tell the good stuff – it's like a heavenly bribe.

But if someone's been really naughty, they take it up a notch. They give the Kitchen God sticky rice cakes made from gooey rice. The idea is to make him so sticky-mouthed that he can't talk. They might even try offering him alcohol to get him drunk, so he can't spill the beans to the Jade Emperor.

Chinese people in Thailand still held the Kitchen God's Farewell Ceremony. For this year, the farewell ceremony is today, and they are now waiting for the new Kitchen God to take up his post during the Chinese New Year, which is just a few days away.

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03/02/2024