Confusion over a Chinese character troubles non-Mandarin speakers
Is it a sheep? Is it a goat? Image: MV Autorental |
Is it a ram? a goat? or even a sheep? Confusion over the Chinese character "?" ("yang") is causing problems for well wishers in the West. The character can be translated as "horned animal" or indeed any of the above creatures, leaving many lost as to which animal to honour.
According to Professor Ho Che-wah, the confusion can be traced back to the Han dynasty when the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle was first introduced, as the cycle depicts the animal as simply one with horns and a pointy face.
Images of adorable sheep plastered around the capital would suggest that Chinese have made their choice, however more zodiac images contain pictures of goats.
Cute though they are, many believe the year of the sheep to be the least fortuitous of the zodiac signs. Those born under its sign are believed to be lacking in leadership qualities and afflicted with bad luck.
Despite this, notaries born under the sheep zodiac are Empress Dowager Cixi, Apple genius Steve Jobs, cellist Yo-yo Ma, fashion designer Donatella Versace, actor Robert De Nero and rock and roll legends Mick Jagger and George Harrison - certainly not 'followers' in their field.