MP2 Post #2

1.) On the astrological scale my associated animal for my birthday is a rooster. My associated element is Yin Water. The rooster animal represents a person who possesses the characteristics of being opinionated, abrasive, decisive, critical, a perfectionist, and organized. The element is Yin water, because Yin water is for teh years that end in a 3. These two are Yin and Yang. These two alternate for the 12 animal cycle. Yin and Yang are opposites that come together and create a balance. A water rooster has the traits of being moody and outspoken at times. Also water roosters are reserved and enjoy the quiet. People of the sign water rooster are energetic and also make sure to make their relationships meaningful and last. I think that some of my personality traits are supported by the traits of water rooster. Although, I do not think that I am critical or decisive. Quite oppositly, I think I have trouble making decisions. I do agree with the traits of moody and enjoying the quiet, because I do enjoy the relaxation of silence. I also am energetic.


2.) This year, the Chinese new year will occur on February 14. The new year is related to the winter solstice. The winter solstice falls aroud November, the eleventh month of the year. Two full moons after the winter solstice marks the Chinese New Year. The mythology behind the Chinese New Year is about a beast, Xin Nian. This beast would eat crops, destroy villages and attack people on the first day of each year. The people decided to put food outside their doors, which teh beast would eat instead of the people. Then they realized the beast was scared ofthe color red. After ths realization, red lanterns and scrolls were put on the outside of houses to keep the beast away. I like this holiday. I think it is cool that it falls on a differentday each year. I also thik the festival, decorations, and lights are pretty.

3.) In ancient times there was only two surnames that existed. These two were Xing and Shi. Surnames were held by royalty and the elite in the fifth century BC. Xing was a surname of the nuclear royal family. Shi was added as a surname to differntiate nobles. In 221 BC, when the states were unified, surnames became more common to the lower classes. Surnames are important, and there are rules for families about marriage, to keep the name alive. I think in "The Bonesetter's Daughter" surnames are important to the characters. For Luling it was a matter of knwing youre identity. Luling's mother had told her never to forget, but she did. With losing the famil name she later forgot herself, and stated to lose her identity.