The netsuke chosen to represent 2019 is a boar looking up in Japanese boxwood, 4 cm long, exquisitely patinated from frequent use, nineteenth century, signed Toyomasa (Tamba-school).
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. Wild Boar are proud yet good natured. They can listen, are loyal, sincere and watchful. Thus, persons born under this zodiac sign usually are honest, straightforward, and patient. Generally, no matter how old they get, Wild Boar people still see and believe that all mankind are basically good. They constantly sacrifice their own happiness and comfort for the sake of their loved ones.
During the last century, years of the Wild Boar were in 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983 and 1995, then 2007 and 2019. 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 only the most common denominator of 10 x 12, the ten being the 5 elements but to make it ten, the Japanese have adopted a big (elder) brother and small (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. The year of Wild Boar starts on February 5, 2019 and lasts till January 25, 2020.
As the 12th animal in the Eastern zodiac, the Wild Boar indicates the hours between 9 pm and 11 pm.
Best wishes to all for a great Year of the Wild Boar!
Both Uschi and Willi wish you a wonderful winter season with lots of fun, happiness, good health and some great relaxation or a vacation with friends and/or family. If anyone is close to Nevis, let us know – we can come to St. Kitts to meet your ship and accompany you to see the sights there with you in our car, or if you have time, come spend time with us in our home in Nevis.
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 – do try it!