Levy Lecture: Exploring the Powers of the Chinese zodiac - Evanston RoundTable
The virtual Levy Lecture on Sept. 28 featured Yvonne Wolf, an expert in intercultural communications, presenting an exploration of the power of the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac is based on a lunar calendar. There are 12 animals that rotate on a prescribed and predictable yearly cycle, and are usually shown on a wheel. The current Chinese zodiac year is the Year of the Ox. Chinese New Year annually starts with the new moon that falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20 of the Gregorian calendar. In 2022, Feb. 1 will usher in the Year of the Tiger. The cycle of the zodiac begins with the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Wolf clarified that the definitions for what "qualifies" within each animal come from an ancient concept that is broader than contemporary definitions. For instance, under the label of "Ox," one could include cow, yak, water buffalo, bis...