The Year of the Pig: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac

Oliver Chin and Jeremiah Alcorn

The Year of the Pig: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac by Oliver Chin and Jeremiah Alcorn published by Immedium. For nearly 5,000 years the Chinese culture has organized time in cycles of twelve years. This Eastern calendar is based upon the movement of the moon (as compared to the Western which follows the sun) and is symbolized by the zodiac circle. An animal that has unique qualities represents each year. Therefore, if you are born in a particular year, then you share the personality of that animal. Now people worldwide celebrate this two-week long festival in the early spring and enjoy the start of another Chinese New Year. At dawn, a joyful squeal rang through the farmyard. A new day had just begun, so Farmer Wu woke up and walked out to his barn. Inside Mama and Papa Pig just had a baby. The piglet was small and soft, but had a well-bred look about her. Farmer Wu smiled as he cradled the newest member of his farm. Mama and Papa named her "Patricia" or "Patty" for short. All the neighbors wanted to see the baby. Big and small, they crowded around the pigpen. They congratulated Mama and Papa and cooed at little Patty. Mama whispered in Patty's ear, "These are your uncles, aunts, and cousins." Papa added, "Listen to your elders, because they know what is best for you." Delighted, Patty clapped her hooves, "Yay!" Quickly Patty learned the lay of the land. Mama showed her where the famer's family and the other animals lived. Then Papa taught her all their names and duties. Everyone admired how Patty was such a fast learner. "What's next for me to study?" Patty asked eagerly. So a few of them agreed that it was time to teach her some manners. Patty's parents liked to roll in the mud, especially to cool off on hot days. Next door, Auntie Sheep shook her head and advised Patty, "You should keep your skin clean, just like my wool." "But getting dirty is really fun," replied Patty. She enjoyed SLIDING! SLIPPING! and sitting on the soft wet earth. Nothing felt better than a good mud bath. Mama and Papa loved mealtime when Farmer Wu would fill their trough. Nearby, Uncle Ox flicked his tail and instructed Patty, "You should chew slowly and not make a mess."