About The Lunar Animal --- Rooster 　　In the traditional of using an animal to symbolizing the year in which a person is born, the “You” in the 12 Earthly Branches coincides with a rooster. This tradition dates back to more than 2,000 years ago. 　　The rooster, one of the six main animals in ancient China, looks robust and vigorous with its resplendent comb and feathers. Loyal to its duty, it heralds the break of day with its crowing and has been praised by the Chinese since ancient times for the five virtues of scholasticism, heroism, bravery, kindness, loyalty. Tian Rao, a scholar of the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC), wrote the following description: “With its comb, the rooster looks scholarly. It fights heroically with its claws. It dares to fight in front of enemies and show off its bravery. Whenever it finds food, it calls to others in a show of kindness. It is always loyal to its duty when it keeps vigil.” According to historical records, a person named Qin Wengong, built a temple to worship the rooster. With its ability to expel after eating any poisonous worms and thus deflect danger from people, the rooster is also regarded as an auspicious animal and a deity able to exorcise evil spirits. As early as the time of the Han dynasty (206BC – 220 AD), “on the first day of a year, people either carved wooden roosters, cast the animal in gold or drew their image on windows” in the belief that the rooster is able expel fierce animals such a tigers and wolves and prevent all evildoers from creating havoc” (A Record of Making Good Omissions). These days, the rooster still occupies an important place in China’s folk art. The rooster, as a harbinger of dawn, is also believed to be able to inspire people with lofty ideals. The story of Zu Ti and Liu Kun, famous generals of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420) who as teenagers began to practice the use of the sword as soon as they heard the rooster crow, has inspired many with lofty ideals to fight selflessly. 　　To Chinese people, the rooster, brave and vigorous, is a deity of luck. The year of the rooster is believed to be one in which a healthy atmosphere prevails, all tasks are undertaken and success prevails.