2006 Year of the Goat

Author: Hu Zuqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: For a long time, sheep have been one of the most beloved domestic animals, and as a result, many different words have been derived from them, each with its own unique charm. People often use the phrase "like wolves herding sheep" to describe cruel ruling classes or corrupt officials. When there are many officials but few people in a certain area, it is described as "nine sheep and one shepherd," which can be exaggerated but still true. If a person lacks perseverance or determination in their studies or work, making it difficult to achieve progress or success, people often say "lost sheep among many paths." People also call it "sheep falling into the mouth of a tiger" when the weak fall into the hands of the strong, or when good people fall into the hands of bad ones. The fat of sheep, when solidified, gives a very smooth, delicate, and tender feeling, so people often use the phrase "white as sheep's fat" to describe snow-white and tender skin. Additionally, there are many other words related to "sheep" that are frequently used in daily life, such as "making sheep lead wolves," "asking sheep about horses," and "shepherding sheep while studying." In the vast world, nothing is unusual. Since the zodiac entered the lives of the Chinese people, it has left an indelible mark on Chinese culture. In Chinese history, when the country faced great disasters, it was called the "Red Sheep Calamity." For example, a certain work of Song and Ming Neo-Confucianism states: "The years of Bingwu are rare, and they all correspond to years of great disasters and wars in China." Later generations named it the "Red Sheep Calamity" because Bing belongs to the fire element, which is red, and Wei resembles the sheep. Overall, sheep are a symbol of good fortune and also represent gentle and tender women.