Join the discussion: Understanding Chinese zodiac in the year of snake

The year of snake is coming!

Chinese zodiac or horoscope always offers a fascinating lens through which to view personality traits, life predictions, and cultural traditions. Unlike the Western zodiac, which is based on constellations, the Chinese horoscope is structured around a twelve-year cycle, each year represented by an animal sign from the Chinese zodiac.

This system is believed to not only influences personal identity but also have significant implications in social interactions, business decisions, and even major life events in many East Asian cultures.

My opinion is to understand it through a higher level, and I published an article in SCMP, talking about this. Read it here: https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3250621/superstition-or-fact-what-chinese-zodiac-predictions-really-tell-us?module=opinion&pgtype=homepage

Through that angle, we can have some fun discussing what the year of snake means to people. 

Such as:

• The Animal Signs and Their Meanings:

Each of the twelve animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig) has associated characteristics that are believed to influence the personality of people born in that year. How do these traits reflect or contrast with one's personal experience or observation?

• Compatibility in Relationships:

The Chinese zodiac includes rules for compatibility between signs, which can extend to friendships, romantic relationships, and even business partnerships. How accurate do people find these compatibilities? Can they influence the decisions people make in relationships?

• Cultural Impact and Practices:

How does the Chinese horoscope impact daily life in regions where it is widely recognized? For example, in Hong Kong, where you are currently located, how does the zodiac influence decisions like naming conventions, marriage timing, or even choosing auspicious dates for events

• Comparison with Western Astrology:

What are the key differences between Chinese and Western astrology? How do they complement or contradict each other, and how do individuals who follow both systems reconcile these differences in their lives?

What do you think?

If you have interesting ideas about these points or others, and also love a chance to practice speaking about them in Mandarin, this is your chance.

Details about this session is below:

Topic: Understanding Chinese zodiac in the year of snake

• 1:00 PM - 2:30PM, February 27, 2025, Thursday (HK time).
• Online
• HKD300 per person (Maximum 6 participants)

Register before February 24, 2025. 

Use this Google form to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO4UA-zDF9kmJdMHenLDlFgrCIHU1JWL1o4-IT885EYko9GQ/viewform 

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More about this course:

“What Is Your Opinion” is a platform for high level Chinese language learners to share their views and thoughts on a wide range of events which are shaping our world, and of course, to practice speaking Mandarin as well.

This course is a natural extension for students who have completed the Mandarin Express series (or equivalent) and would like to have a platform to further their study by engaging in topical discussions.

It’s best for students who are interested in world events, including but not solely about events which China’s stances influence the outcome.

Read more about this course here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/teaching-learning-resources?view=article&id=241&catid=11 

If you’d like to see a list of all Chinese courses on offer, click here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/mandarin-lessons 

If you’d like to check out all upcoming group classes, click here:

https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/teaching-learning-resources?view=article&id=93&catid=11