Chinese New Year Zodiac

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by Jamie Smedley, Marketing Specialist

Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®

In China, the beginning of every year falls between late January and early February, and is marked by an animal sign of the Chinese zodiac that is repeated every twelve years. Each year is given a different animal sign as a way of counting the years. The years are scheduled according to the lunar cycles of the moon as compared to the solar-based calendars of the West. Since 1911, the Chinese have adopted the solar calendar and use it alongside the lunar calendar for holidays. Many Chinese calendars have both solar and lunar dates printed on them.

Zodiac Origins
The animals used in the zodiac, and how they came to represent it, are a wonderful Chinese legend with many variations. The most common version being the legend of the Jade Emperor and how he wanted to hold a race across a river to give twelve animals the right to rule for a year. All animals were given a chance to swim, and the first twelve to reach the opposite bank would win the positions in which they arrived.

Cat and Rat were the worst swimmers of all the animals, so they designed a plan to ask if they could cross the river on the back of Bull. Bull, being a kind and gentle creature, agreed to carry them. As the group reached the center of the rushing river, the ambitious Rat pushed Cat off Bull's back and into the water to ensure his victory. Rat's betrayal is why Cat and Rat have evermore been sworn enemies and why, to this day, cats despise swimming in water.

As Bull reached the riverbank, Rat darted atop Bull's head and sprang to the ground to reach the shore first and became the first zodiac animal. Bull was content to be given the second year. The third animal to successfully cross the river was Tiger, who was known to be the most powerful of all the animals. Exhausted, Tiger explained that the heavy currents of the river, coupled with an entangled log, had pushed Tiger further downstream, delaying the animal's arrival.

After Tiger was proclaimed the third animal of the zodiac, the Jade Emperor heard a thumping sound just as Rabbit bounded into view. As the fourth animal, he explained his attempts at trying to cross the river by jumping from stone to stone. The stones eventually came to an end, leaving Rabbit stranded in the middle of the waters and, fearing he could lose the race, thought quickly and hopped onto a floating log to reach the shore.

The fifth animal to reach the shore was Dragon. Dragon was as strong as Tiger, and even though he could fly, Dragon didn't come in first. When the Jade Emperor asked why, Dragon said that it was because he took time to stop and help the people and creatures of the earth who were suffering famine by causing rain. Then, seeing little Rabbit stranded on a rock, Dragon guided the log that was entangling Tiger away to instead help Rabbit float across the river.

Dragon had just finished this tale when a thunderous splashing was heard and Horse reared towards the shore but the cunning Snake, having wrapped around the ankle of Horse, suddenly dropped onto the bank just ahead of Horse. This sudden appearance spooked the poor Horse backwards, giving Snake the sixth position, followed by Horse in seventh.

Next to arrive were Ram, Monkey and Rooster who skidded to a stop on the shore riding a tangled reed raft. They told the Jade Emperor how they formed an alliance to help each other cross the river beginning with Rooster who had flown around until a suitable raft was spotted and then took Monkey and Ram to where it was. Then Ram and Monkey cleared the weeds and they all glided upon it across the water to the shore. Delighted with their mutual efforts, the Jade Emperor gave Ram the eighth zodiac position, Monkey the ninth and Rooster the tenth.

Dog, known to be the best swimmer, was next to reach the shore and explained that upon seeing his dirt-smudged coat paired with the tempting clean river waters, he decided to stop and bathe, but Dog tarried for too long and almost didn't finish the race. Finally, Pig emerged squealing and sputtering from the waters as the last and twelfth zodiac animal. Pig's reason for a late arrival was being "so ravenous with the exertion of finding a good crossing spot that a meal was needed," so he sniffed out a bountiful feast of grubs, berries and roots, followed by a short nap.

Which Zodiac Animal Are You?
Find your year of birth below and see which zodiac animal it represents. Also, discover the animal character traits and strengths that you share with those born in the same year, beginning between late January and early February.

Animal	Year
Rat	1900	1912	1924	1936	1948	1960	1972	1984	1996	2008	2020
Bull	1901	1913	1925	1937	1949	1961	1973	1985	1997	2009	2021
Tiger	1902	1914	1926	1938	1950	1962	1974	1986	1998	2010	2022
Rabbit	1903	1915	1927	1939	1951	1963	1975	1987	1999	2011	2023
Dragon	1904	1916	1928	1940	1952	1964	1976	1988	2000	2012	2024
Snake	1905	1917	1929	1941	1953	1965	1977	1989	2001	2013	2025
Horse	1906	1918	1930	1942	1954	1966	1978	1990	2002	2014	2026
Ram	1907	1919	1931	1943	1955	1967	1979	1991	2003	2015	2027
Monkey	1908	1920	1932	1944	1956	1968	1980	1992	2004	2016	2028
Rooster	1909	1921	1933	1945	1957	1969	1981	1993	2005	2017	2029
Dog	1910	1922	1934	1946	1958	1970	1982	1994	2006	2018	2030
Pig	1911	1923	1935	1947	1959	1971	1983	1995	2007	2019	2031

Read below to discover the commonly believed character traits and jewelry/gemstone preferences of each Chinese zodiac animal.

Rat Rats are sentimental and sensitive, intelligent and charming and very ambitious. Their quick optimism and cheerful resourcefulness make it easy to see why they are so successful in business ventures. Rats are thought to love to dig for hidden potential in projects, people and circumstances and they adore putting their cleverly creative ideas into motion. While Rats enjoy finding a good secret or treasure, they are well known for not being able to keep it a secret for long. Rats love gemstone beads that are as energized as they are, which is why they are drawn to jewelry designs that incorporate garnet, emerald, sunstone and lemon quartz gemstone beads. Shop for Rat's gemstone beads: Garnet gemstone beads Emerald gemstone beads Sunstone gemstone beads Lemon quartz gemstone beads

Bull Bulls have a steady, honest, gentle and reliable personality that builds plans and ideas on firm ground. Patient, logical and hardworking, a successful Bull needs peace and quiet to work through ideas and labors best when given space. If pushed, Bulls can become frustrated, unyielding and unmovable. They work well with their hands and thrive on steadiness and situations that require patient strength of character. Bulls tend to love earthy jewelry designs that focus on strength and simplicity with materials such as aquamarine, lapis lazuli, onyx, marble and sardonyx gemstone beads. Shop for Bull's gemstone beads: Aquamarine gemstone beads Lapis Lazuli gemstone beads Onyx gemstone beads Marble gemstone beads Sardonyx gemstone beads

Tiger Tigers are natural-born leaders who love to travel. They tend to be determined, enthusiastic and optimistic with a strong sense of authority. Preferring to be established, Tigers will leave or ignore a situation if it does not easily conform to their ideals, and they can become unfriendly at best if they feel trapped. They do enjoy discovering the potential found in improbable circumstances and prefer roles where they can help guide others. When it comes to jewelry, Tigers gravitate toward finer materials such as sapphires, rubies, tiger iron, tigereye and all colors of jade. 2010 - Year of the Tiger Bracelet Shop for Tiger's gemstone beads: Sapphire gemstone beads Ruby gemstone beads Tiger iron gemstone beads Tigereye gemstone beads Jade gemstone beads

Rabbit Charitable, welcoming and peaceful by nature, Rabbits thrive on routines and can become anxious if they have to step outside of the lines or make risky decisions. They thrive on details of the minutest kind and thoroughly enjoy creating a home of solace and beautiful tranquility. Cultivated and artistic, Rabbits are brilliant at remembering. Rabbits are attracted to highly detailed jewelry designs that abound with cultured freshwater pearls, sapphires, faceted multicolored tourmaline and rainbow moonstone gemstone beads that flash and dance with lively colors. Shop for Rabbit's gemstone beads: Cultured freshwater pearl beads Sapphire gemstone beads Rainbow moonstone gemstone beads Multicolored tourmaline gemstone beads

Dragon The charismatic, enthusiastic and self-confident personalities of Dragons help them excel at creating a good first impression. Dragons have good judgment and tend to take a keen interest in the world around them, often stepping in at the right moment to help those in need. Both decisive and dignified, Dragons take a wholehearted approach to life and they see themselves as protectors. Dragons admire jewelry designs with beneficial properties that incorporate gemstones such as amethyst for wisdom, noble rubies, black jet for peace and abundance, turquoise for good communication and chrysoprase to banish greed and carelessness. Shop for Dragon's gemstone beads: Amethyst gemstone beads Ruby gemstone beads Black jet gemstone beads Turquoise gemstone beads Chrysoprase gemstone beads

Snake Preferring to always have control of their situation, Snakes are charming, captivating and often conservative. They frequently exhibit the alertness and perception of a cobra's mysterious gaze. Companionship, moral support and unconditional love are important to Snakes in all relationships. They are uncommonly patient with the ability to move on their desired target at precisely the right moment. When it comes to jewelry, Snakes are charmed by sleek, sinuous jewelry designs featuring opal, serpentine, amazonite and prehnite gemstone beads. Shop for Snake's gemstone beads: Opal gemstone beads Serpentine gemstone beads Amazonite gemstone beads Prehnite gemstone beads

Horse Horses reveal an independent, self-assured and highly motivated character. Intelligent, fashionable and articulate, they set out to achieve recognition for their talent and unique skills. They are devoted to their family, home and work but aren't afraid to cut loose and get a little crazy when the time calls for it. Even in the face of a crisis, Horses will push forward, using their tremendous inner strength to see things through. Horses are delighted by free-styled jewelry designs featuring topaz, Crazy Horse™ stone, morganite and smoky quartz gemstone beads. Shop for Horse's gemstone beads: Topaz gemstone beads Crazy Horse™ stone gemstone beads Morganite gemstone beads Smoky quartz gemstone beads

Ram Known to be elegant and patient individuals, Rams enjoy being moderately active and practice prudence in all aspects of their lives. Despite their appearance of vulnerability and routine worrying, they are able to tolerate intense pressure while remaining stable, often taking on insurmountable tasks and accomplishing them marvelously. Preferring to stay behind the scenes, steadfast Rams are excellent team players. Cultivating an appreciation for the arts and nature, they are some of the most creatively inspired people and are sensitive to romantic jewelry designs that incorporate emerald, sapphire, malachite, crazy lace agate and Mexican green ''opal'' gemstone beads. Shop for Ram's gemstone beads: Emerald gemstone beads Sapphire gemstone beads Malachite gemstone beads Crazy lace agate gemstone beads Green ''opal'' gemstone beads

Monkey Fun-loving, spirited and genuinely happy, Monkeys have a generous and clever way of thinking outside-of-the-box. Their charm and humor, paired with their innate curiosity, make them excellent problem solvers and quick learners. Monkeys' emotions are plainly visible and they have but one weakness – food. Monkey has a discerning palate when it comes to gourmet nibbles. Being cheerful and sanguine, Monkeys prefer contemporary jewelry designs that use peridot, tigereye, aqua terra jasper and Botswana agate gemstone beads. Shop for Monkey's gemstone beads: Peridot gemstone beads Tigereye gemstone beads Aqua terra jasper gemstone beads Botswana agate gemstone beads

Rooster Roosters are confident, straightforward, observant and thrifty. Conscious of appearances, Roosters like to get noticed and will save in order to buy something a little extravagant. Roosters enjoy singing and music and can be very creative when they set their mind to it. They also have a powerful desire for perfection, and will take the necessary time to get a job done right. They have strength of persistence and often display strong personal power. Roosters know what they want and tend to select rustic jewelry designs that rely on citrine, topaz, magnesite, fancy jasper and quartz crystal gemstone beads to convey their intelligent personality. Shop for Rooster's gemstone beads: Citrine gemstone beads Topaz gemstone beads Magnesite gemstone beads Fancy Jasper Quartz crystal gemstone beads

Dog Dogs are sincere, loyal and faithful and will consistently defend justice and honorable duty. Long recognized to be attentive listeners, Dogs always seem to be ready for action. Also known for keeping commitments, Dogs will do anything to avoid betraying a confidence. Exuberant and playful, they offer devoted support to those who mean the most to them. Such qualities make Dogs truly deserving of jewelry designs made of the finer quality gemstone beads such as diamonds, labradorite, larimar and ruby gemstone beads. Shop for Dog's gemstone beads: Diamond gemstone beads Labradorite gemstone beads Larimar gemstone beads Ruby gemstone beads Fine quality diamond jewelry

Pig Recognized as being big-hearted, chivalrous and diplomatic, Pig is always admired for a warm and giving personality that seems too good to be true. They strive to find the best in people and give plenty of room for freedom of expression. They are well-known for exhibiting fine manners and well-chosen words that exalt those around them. They enjoy simple and earthy pleasures with a tendency to overindulge. The sweet and gentle nature of Pig admires classical jewelry designs made with ruby, moonstone, apatite, rose quartz and blue lace agate gemstone beads. Shop for Pig's gemstone beads: Ruby gemstone beads Apatite gemstone beads Moonstone gemstone beads Rose quartz gemstone beads Blue lace agate gemstone beads

Welcome to my world. Enjoy!

Thousands of dinosaur footprints uncovered in China

Play Video Reuters  – China finds bird-linked dinosaur

• Play Video Video:"Dinosaurs Unleashed" in London Reuters

AFP/File – A mound strewn with dinosaur bones is seen October 2009 in Zhucheng, in northeast China's Shandong …

Sun Feb 7, 12:55 am ET

BEIJING (AFP) – Archaeologists in China have uncovered more than 3,000 dinosaur footprints, state media reported, in an area said to be the world's largest grouping of fossilised bones belonging to the ancient animals. The footprints, believed to be more than 100 million years old, were discovered after a three-month excavation at a gully in Zhucheng in the eastern province of Shandong, the Xinhua news agency reported. The prints range from 10 to 80 centimetres (four to 32 inches) in length, and belonged to at least six different kinds of dinosaurs, including tyrannosaurs, the report said Saturday. Wang Haijun, a senior engineer at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the prints faced the same direction, Xinhua said. This indicated a possible migration or a panic escape by plant-eating dinosaurs after an attack by predators, Wang added. Archeologists have found dinosaur fossils at some 30 sites in Zhucheng, known as "dinosaur city." The region has seen two major digs since 1964, and experts say the discovery of so many dinosaurs in such a dense area could provide clues on how the animals became extinct millions of years ago. Plans are being made to set up a fossil park in the area.

Welcome to my world. Enjoy!

January unemployment rate drops to 9.7 percent

Play Video WRAL Raleigh  – More temp jobs become permanent

• Play Video Video:Obama budget would create highest-ever deficit AP
• Play Video Video:White House: Job growth coming by spring AP

AFP/Getty Images/File – Job seekers speak to recruiters during a "Boot Camp" for job seekers at the San Mateo County …

By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER, AP Economics Writer Christopher S. Rugaber, Ap Economics Writer – 36 mins ago

WASHINGTON – The unemployment rate dropped unexpectedly in January to 9.7 percent, while employers shed 20,000 jobs, according to a report that offered hope the economy will add jobs soon.
The unemployment rate dropped from 10 percent because a survey of households found the number of employed Americans rose by 541,000, the Labor Department said Friday. The job losses are calculated from a separate survey of employers.
Excluding the beleagured construction industry, which shed 75,000 jobs, the private sector added 63,000 positions.
The unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since August. John Silvia, chief economist at Wells Fargo, said the decline wasn't a result of a shrinking labor force, which has held the rate down in previous months.
"It simply was, people found jobs," he said. The report is "consistent with continued improvement in the labor market."
The department also revised its past employment estimates to show that job losses from the Great Recession have been much worse than previously stated. The economy has shed 8.4 million jobs since the downturn began in December 2007, up from a previous figure of 7.2 million.
That's the most jobs lost in any recession, as a percent of total employment, since World War II.
The figure for November was revised higher, however, to show a gain of 64,000 jobs. That was initially reported as a gain of 4,000.
Much of January's report offers hope that employers are starting to reverse course and may start adding jobs soon. Aside from November's gain, January's job losses were the smallest since the recession began and are down from the huge loss of 779,000 jobs in January 2009.
The manufacturing sector added jobs for the first time since January 2007. Its gain of 11,000 jobs was the most since April 2006.
Retailers added 42,100 jobs, the most since November 2007, before the recession began. Temporary help services gained 52,000 jobs, its fourth month of gains. That could signal future hiring, as employers usually hire temp workers before permanent ones.
The average work week increased to 33.3 hours, from 33.2. That indicates employers are increasing hours for their current workers, a step that usually precedes new hiring.
The number of part-time workers who want full-time work, but can't find it, fell by almost 1 million. That lowered the "underemployment" rate, which also includes discouraged workers, to 16.5 percent from 17.3 percent.
The federal government has begun hiring workers to perform the 2010 census, which added 9,000 jobs. That process could add as many as 1.2 million jobs this year, though they will all be temporary.
But job cuts at the state and local levels canceled out those gains, as government employment fell by 8,000.
Most of the 75,000 jobs lost in the construction industry came from the commercial building sector, the department said. Construction lost more jobs than other sector.
Still, jobs remain scarce even as the economy is recovering: Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the nation's output, has risen for two straight quarters. GDP rose by 5.7 percent in the October-December quarter, the fastest pace in six years.
Many economists say businesses are reluctant to add workers because it's not clear whether the recovery will continue once government stimulus measures, such as tax credits for home buyers, fade this spring.
The debate over health care reform and the scheduled expiration of some Bush administration tax cuts at the end of this year may also hold back some employers, many economists said.
"Until some of these uncertainties from Washington get cleared up, businesses, particularly small businesses, are going to be loath to do any additional hiring," said Hank Smith, chief investment officer at Haverford Investments.
High unemployment could restrain consumer spending, which has led most recoveries in the past. That's why many economists think the current rebound will be weak.
Public concern about persistent unemployment has forced President Barack Obama and members of Congress to shift their attention to jobs and the economy and away from health care reform. The Senate will begin working Monday on legislation that would give companies a tax break for hiring new workers, Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday.
The budget plan Obama released this week projects unemployment will still be very high — 9.8 percent — by the end of this year.