Friday, January 23, 2009

The Chinese New Year of the Ox

This Sunday is the last day of the Chinese Year of the Rat. At midnight, the Year of the Ox will begin. If Rats can stand for sinking ships (and economies), the Ox stands for hard work (in the fields). What a fitting coincidence between our times and the Chinese zodiac! And for those who work or study hard, what better way to relax and find new energy and a clear mind than having a great tea in a beautiful setting?! 

I found all the energy and Cha Qi I needed yesterday with this old loose puerh. I will report more in detail about it when I return from a week long holiday. In the meantime, I wish you, as always, Happiness in Tea in the New Year of the Ox!

L'année du Boeuf commence dimanche soir à minuit. C'est tout Taiwan et toute la Chine qui s'arrêtent de travailler pendant une semaine. Quelle chance j'ai de pouvoir fêter Noël et le Nouvel An chinois chaque année (comme certains d'entre vous me le font remarquer)! Et quelle chance d'avoir tant de bonnes raisons de boire des thés exceptionnels, comme ce puerh cru en vrac des années 1970. A chaque dégustation, il me surprend par sa vivacité et sa force.

Je vous le présenterai plus en détail en février, mais, en attendant, je vous souhaite une excellente année du Boeuf!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

新年快樂 !!

Happy new year - again :)...

Anonymous said...

Merci Stéphane, toi aussi passe une excellente année du Boeuf!

Bertrand

Marilyn Miller said...

Happy New Year!
I love seeing the beautiful tea mats. Is there a tradition size?

Anonymous said...

Bonne année Stéphane et bonnes vacances

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year! I am unfamiliar with all of the Chinese Zodiac - thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Also known as the Buffalo, the ox is both patient and meticulous with strong principles, and as such tends to be very stubborn. The ox is extrememly strong, and an excellent worker.

However, these traits also make the ox stubborn, and their sense of self reliance makes it difficult for them to ask for or to receive assistance. Don't go looking for an evening of scintilating conversation from an ox as they are poor conversationists, and unfortunately don't have much of a sense of humour either.

Oxen are ruled by conviction, and they are not often swayed from their beliefs. The ox's ability to criticise others for their own shortcomings is well known. The ox is not very good at coping with its emotions, and can become introverted and self-destructive when they fail to find a way of expressing their feelings.