YEAR OF THE PIG

Photo by S. Auberle

In the Chinese Zodiac, this is the Year of the Pig. and not just any pig, but the Golden Pig, which occurs only once every six hundred years. It is considered very auspicious and lucky to be born in this year.

In all my photos and photo files, I do not have a pig--not auspicious. So the above photo of one of those wonderful little Italian markets has nothing to do with pigs, other than the fact that there is hanging in the window those also wonderful Italian hams, which is not auspicious for the pig. (Had to stop writing and look up "auspicious" to be sure I understood the meaning--yes, it means lucky, positive, fortunate, etc.)

So, if you were born in 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923, or 1911, you must celebrate! Most likely, if you were born in 1899 or back, you are dead. Except for Olive Riley, born in 1899, who has the distinction of being the world's oldest blogger. All of the above information is courtesy of Jeff Eertmoed and Eric Shackle on the Wordsmith website, http://wordsmith.org which, by the way, is always fascinating.

If any of this seems to indicate I am making fun of or am a non-believer in astrology, absolutely not so! I myself am a Horse in the Chinese Zodiac which, while being a beautiful animal, does not have quite the sterling characteristics of the Pig: intelligence, honesty, strength and fortitude. Which is probably why Olive is still out there, blogging away.

GO OLIVE!

- mimi