Wednesday marks the beginning of the Year of the Tiger–a good time for new ventures if one is careful, many Chinese believe.
“There’s danger in the world of the tiger,” said Glenn Shive, a Governors State University administrator familiar with the Chinese zodiac.
“Our leaders need to be very cautious in this year. Fortunes can be great, but so can the downside,” said Shive, who is director of Governors State’s office of assessment and Board of Governors bachelor of arts program.
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Shive was among the Governors State staff and visitors ushering in the Chinese New Year 4696 Tuesday with dancing, dining and discussions of culture, language and healing practices.
About 150 people crowded into Engbretson Hall to learn more about acupuncture, herbology, self-healing and the Chinese language.
Guan-Yuan Jin, a Milwaukee-based proponent of acupuncture, likened the human body to a bread box.
“We give the box some stimulation, then we listen,” he said, noting stimulation could come from the painless disposable acupuncture needles, from natural chemicals and from self-control techniques.
The four-hour program also featured costumed regional performances in the Center for Performing Arts by the Lion Dance troupe, Yellow River Performing Arts Group and Taiwan Dance Society–all based in Chicago.
When food was served, diners initially used forks for the barbecued chicken, broccoli and beef mixture, noodles and other food, but chopsticks eventually materialized.
Shive, who has traveled extensively in China, said the Chinese zodiac links the characteristics of an animal to a particular year that returns to dominate for 12 months every 12 years. Tigers, he said, tend to be represented as powerful and courageous natural leaders.
The Year of the Rat, which starts the 12-year cycle, was 1996, and 1997 was the Year of the Ox. The Year of the Rabbit will be in 1999, 2000 will be the Year of the Dragon.
It is an approach that fits with a view of life as an eternal circle, Shive said.