This Friday (Feb 12) is the First Day of Tết, the traditional Vietnamese New Year’s based on the lunar calendar. According to the ancient Chinese/Vietnamese zodiac, this is the Year of the Ox (or Bull/Buffalo), coming in succession to the Year of the Rat.
A rat, in popular tradition, symbolizes creativity, change—resourcefulness. An ox or a bull, on the other hand, stands for hard work, patience, and steadfastness. Now, think about it for a moment. Can you imagine two better animals to represent the unusually trying times that we all have been, and will be, experiencing in 2020-2021? Last year, without a doubt, was all about change that forced us to draw upon our best resourcefulness in order to cope with a difficult situation. But this year will certainly test our mettle and endurance as we plow ahead on the road to recovery. Personally, though, I’d like to think of 2021 as our bullish year, when we tackle our challenges head-on—and prevail.
On that note, I wish you happiness and much gumption and success in your endeavors in this Year of the Buffalo—and, of course, all the good health (and vaccine) in your battle against Covid-19. In the meantime, enjoy whatever traditional goodies of Tết celebration (rice cake, watermelon, candied fruit, etc.) that you can find at an Asian Supermarket near you. After all we’ve been through in the Year of the Rat, you certainly deserve to indulge a little!
Happy New Year, my friends!
Jim, the Ox and the Rat both agree, it’s time to get on with life and go 5 minutes without thinking about Covid. When we finally take off the mask, or, in my case, the long sleeve shirt tied around my face, it will be something else to be frightened about. Maybe we go back to global warming hysteria. The Ox and the Rat said to me in a dream, pursue American values: liberty, E Pluribus Unum, in God we trust. We owe it to those who gave us this great country. Make a good life and be good to each other.
John, this too shall pass, my friend. It’s good to hear from you. Wishing all of us a much brighter new year!