Chinese New Year
Periwinkle comes tumbling out of the teleportation tunnel expecting to be greeted by Stinky with lots of whisker kisses, but Stinky is missing. Periwinkle panics, thinking he has gone on another walkabout or had a seizure. Suddenly she hears a loud roar, and Stinky jumps out from behind a pillar between the foyer and dining room.
“Stinky, you almost scared me to death. Why are you hiding and roaring? And what are your wearing on your face?” Periwinkle asks.
“This is my tiger mask. I have one for you as well.”
“Why do I need a tiger mask?” asks Periwinkle.
“Because this is Chinese New Year, and it is the year of the Tiger, so I thought we could get in the mood with these tiger masks,“ Stinky tells her.
“So, what are we going to do—run around and roar at each other?”
“Of coarse not, silly. We are going to celebrate by telling our readers all about Chinese New Year.”
“Well that sounds really boring to me,” Periwinkle replies.
“I think you actually will be fascinated,” Stinky tells her.
Year of the Tiger
Stinky begins telling Periwinkle about Chinese New Year and the Year of the Tiger, which begins today and runs through January 21, 2023. “The Tiger is known as the king of all beasts in China. The Tiger Zodiac sign is a symbol for strength, braveness and exorcising evils.”
Periwinkle asks, “Does this mean we are tigers?”
“Actually, no,” replies Stinky. “You and I were born in 2017, which was the year of the Rooster.”
“I don’t want to be a rooster! They aren’t cute like tigers.”
“Maybe not. But 2022 is actually a great year for Roosters. We are destined to enjoy a tranquil life as well as good luck in making money. Just think, with more money, we can buy more treats.”
“Stinky, I think I am confused about all of this,” replies Periwinkle.
“I guess it can be a bit confusing. Just think of it like this. There are 12 Chinese Zodiac signs, and the year in which we were born determines what Zodiac (animal) we are. People born between now and January 21st, 2023, will be Tigers. We are Roosters because of the year we were born.”
“Even though I like tigers more, I guess I’d like to know about Roosters, as that’s what we are.”
“Before we do that, Periwinkle, I am wondering if you remember that snow leopard we met when we visited the Mill Mountain Zoo?”
“Of course, it was so beautiful. I wish it wasn’t so cold. I would like to go to the zoo and wish him a happy year of the Tiger.”
“Wow, that would be great. Maybe we can go back in the spring or summer. Since we can’t go today, do you want to see the photo we took of it?”
“Oh yes, that would be great!”
“Wow, Stinky, he sure was keeping his eyes on us,” gasps Periwinkle. “I didn’t realize that at the time.”
“You know, Periwinkle, like tigers, snow leopards belong to the genus Panthera. Most people think they are related to common leopards, but they are actually most genetically related to tigers. It’s purrfect that we are sharing him today.”
Roosters
“Now let’s see what we can find out about those with the Rooster Chinese Zodiac sign. Okay?”
“Whatever you want, Periwinkle!”
Stinky begins to tell Periwinkle about Roosters. “Zodiac Rooster’s are hardworking, courageous, talented, resourceful and observant. And we are very confident in ourselves.”
“Stinky, I think all those things are true. I know you are really courageous or you wouldn’t have survived your walkabout or want to be climbing on things all the time. What else are Roosters like?”
“We have lots of wonderful attributes according to the web-site I found. It says that Roosters are always active, amusing and popular with a crowd. We are talkative, outspoken and frank as well as open, honest and loyal.”
“Stinky, that is so true. I know we both can be extremely talkative, and I do believe we are both exceedingly loyal.”
“Roosters always look attractive and beautiful. You always look absolutely gorgeous, Periwinkle!”
“Thank you, Stinky. Tell me more, please.”
“Let’s see, supposedly, we enjoy being the center of attention and are happiest when surrounded by others. It says we take pleasure in being in the spotlight and exhibit charm on any occasion.”
“I am not sure about that for you Stinky. I know you are charming, but I don’t think you like being around lots of other people or cats. Unless you are with me, you are quite shy.”
“That’s very true, Periwinkle, and I don’t think this next part applies to either of us.”
“What does it say?”
“It says that Roosters expect others to listen to them while they speak and can become agitated if that doesn’t happen. It also states that we like to brag about ourselves and our accomplishments. I don’t like that part or the next. It’s believed that our behavior of continually seeking the attention of others sometimes annoys those around us.”
“Pffft, that is totally untrue. You are never annoying, Stinky.”
“Neither are you, Periwinkle.”
“Is there anything else, Stinky?”
“Yes we have some things that are lucky for us:”
- Numbers: 5, 7 and 8
- Colors: gold, brown and yellow
- Flowers: gladiola and cockscomb
- Directions: south and southeast
“There is so much more we can share, Periwinkle, but our readers are probably getting bored. Let’s share with them the photos we took. And at the end, we’ll give them a link to a website they can visit to learn more about all the Chinese Zodiac signs.”
“Great idea, Stinky.”
Happy New Year to All of Our Fellow Roosters
Happy New Year to All Tigers
Periwinkle tells Stinky that this has been a rather exhausting adventure even though they never left his house. She suggests they have a snack and a rest before she has to head home. And that is exactly what they do while visiting with Stinky’s parents and fursibs at the same time.
Finally it is time for Periwinkle to head home. After oodles of whisker kisses and paw hugs, she enters the teleportation tunnel and with a wave and a whoosh is gone.
Sawyer heads to the bed Periwinkle gave him for Christmas to nap and dream of her.
The End
For addition information about Chinese New Year and the Chinese Zodiac click on this link.
Periwinkle and Stinky are joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus.
