- The rat, for all it symbolises and represents, can give hope and determination for what would seem a challenging year
Appropriately for Hong Kong, the Year of the Rat marks a new cycle in the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Pig, one of protest, instability and social and economic distress, and for China, a trade and technology war with the United States, was the last of the 12 animals that feature on the zodiac. A fresh era has dawned, one full of challenges and opportunities for the city and nation, the first being to tackle the deadly Wuhan coronavirus outbreak. The goal of officials and citizens alike has to be to move beyond and forward, to cooperate, seize opportunities and find solutions.
Those are coincidentally the attributes of the rat. It is nimble and intelligent, symbolising in Chinese tradition vitality. The creature's strong sense of smell means that it is constantly alert, especially to danger. Physically tough, it is renowned for surviving calamities. These are elements all Chinese happen to need at so critical a time.
Chinese zodiac 2020: All you need to know about the Year of the Rat
If traditional beliefs are any guide, there would seem some hope. The drawing of the neutral fortune stick number 92 in the annual ceremony at the Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin appears to give advice to authorities about heeding public sentiment, fairness and reaching consensus. It would be tempting to see the words in the poem written on the stick as referring to the protests that changed Hong Kong, dividing citizens, bringing violence and raising questions about the government's competence.
US President Donald Trump's trade dispute with the nation has similarly caused difficulties. A phase one agreement signed earlier this month has staved off more tariffs and brought some relief, although further progress is unlikely before US elections in November. The conflict over Chinese hi-tech know-how and products continues, though, with governments still under pressure from Washington not to sign contracts with Huawei and other firms accused of using equipment and software to violate national security, an allegation never backed by evidence. The deadly coronavirus of still-uncertain nature and origin that is affecting so many and is spreading regionally, causing health alerts and fear, adds another bleak dimension to what should be a time of happiness and celebration.
Difficulties aside, the Year of the Rat is an important one for China. President Xi Jinping's goal of eradicating poverty by the end of the year is bound to be attained, a milestone that will pave the way for the next target " for China to become a moderately prosperous nation by 2025. The 13th five-year plan ends in March, offering an opportunity to review and assess, and begin planning for the next one.
Feng shui and its traditions, complexities and beliefs may not seem suited to a modern society. But it is grounded in common sense and wisdom. The rat, for all it symbolises and represents, can give hope and determination for what would seem a challenging year.
Copyright (c) 2020. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.