2007 – Year ot the Wild Boar

The Chinese calendar -which existed there already since around 2000 BC- was adopted by Japan from around the 6th century AD, together with Buddhism.

The Zodiac has an influence on the character of mankind. Each of the 12 ‘animals’ has specific characteristics. Boars are brave. They have tremendous inner strength which no one can overcome. They display great honesty. They are short-tempered, yet hate to quarrel or have arguments. They are affectionate and kind to their loved ones.

During the last century, years of the boar were in 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983 and 1995. In each 60 year cycle, the 12 zodiac animals are repeated 5 times, representing 5 elements Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.

Of course it is not that simple; 60 is merely the most common denominator of 10 x 12, the ten being the 5 elements but in order to make it ten, the Japanese have adopted a big (elder) brother and younger brother of each of the five stated elements. In all eastern languages, big brother and younger brother is one noun each, and not formed by a noun (brother) plus an adjective (younger or big [elder]) like in western languages. Actually, the year of the young brother fire boarstarts on February 18, 2007 and lasts till February 6, 2008.

As the 12th animal in the Eastern zodiac, the boar indicates the hours between 9 pm and 11 pm.

Best wishes to all for a splendid Year of the Wild Boar, 2007!


The netsuke chosen to represent 2007 is a recumbent
boar, about to rise, 5.25 cm long, exquisitely patinated
boxwood, eyes inlaid in yellow horn, early 19th century,
signed Toyomasa (Tamba-school).

The entire Bosshard clan wishes you a wonderful 2006/07 Holiday Seaon with lots of fun, happiness, good health and some great relaxation or even a vacation with friends and family, leading into a beautiful spring and great summer season, too.


By the way, if you would like to read the contents of all the pages in smaller or bigger characters, it is very simple: go to View, Text size and choose your preferred size. That is all it takes – try it!

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