Chinese Astrology and Canadian Politicians...Prime Minister Stephen Harper is a pig.
True, Harper has been called worse by some of his opponents. But if you're a Liberal supporter, don't get too cocky because star MP Michael Ignatieff is also a pig.
Both high profile politicians were born in the Chinese year of the pig, which starts this year tomorrow.
In fact, politics and pigs seem to have a lot in common.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell, U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton, former U.S. presidents Ronald Reagan, Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson are all pigs.
“I'm not sure why politics and pigs seem to mix, but with a possible election year and with Ignatieff and Harper born as pigs, it should make for an interesting political scene," said historian Dora Nip of the Multicultural History Society of Ontario.
The year of the pig heralds a year of contentment, security, optimism and signifies good fortune, kindness, honesty and tolerance, Nip said.
Harper has been courting the Chinese community, making a public apology over a head tax on Chinese at the turn of the century and appearing at the opening of phase two of the Chinese Cultural Centre in Scarborough last year. He's also had a few missteps, including a snub by the Chinese prime minister over human rights issues.
But this is no ordinary pig year; it's believed to be the year of the Golden Pig, which only comes around every 600 years. Babies born this year are thought to be especially lucky.
Pigs are thought to be extremely fortunate animals in China since they tend to eat and sleep all day.
Celebrations in Canada start in earnest Saturday on New Year's Eve. Toronto's 400,000-strong Chinese community is one of the largest in North America. Events will range from the ritzy $500-a-plate Dragon Ball today, attended by a who's who of political leaders and corporate Canada to festive events in any of the city's five Chinatowns.
People born in 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, and 2007 are born under the zodiac sign of the pig. The zodiac is based on the five elements of water, fire, wood, metal, and earth, and the traditional calendar's 12-year rotating cycle of animals: Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
Each animal has its own characteristics, believed to define both the year and people born in it.
In that case, pigs are quick-tempered and stubborn, which could describe a lot of politicians, including Harper. But they¹re also loyal, trustworthy and kind to their loved ones.
According to the ancient calendar, 2007 will be year 4705. It begins on the first day of the new year in the traditional Chinese calendar, starting tomorrow through Feb. 6, 2008, which is based on both the lunar and solar cycles.
Prime Minister Harper said he¹s going to be celebrating.
“I have reason to celebrate it too because I was born in 1959, also the year of the pig. I'd like to offer my warmest greetings to all Chinese Canadians as you welcome the year of the pig," Harper said. “The Chinese New Year has become an important part of the Canadian cultural landscape, which tells us just how big a role this community plays in modern Canada.
“That role is rooted in a long history, from your ancestors' involvement in the building of the national railway in the 19th century, to full participation in every aspect of community life today," said Harper. “Chinese Canadians have shaped this wonderful country we all call home. Our shared history was marred by the injustice of the head tax. I am proud that last year our new government finally dealt with this issue, so we could all move forward into the future together and leave the past behind."
Harper is known as an earth pig.
“Earth pigs are kindly in nature and like to please employers and go to great lengths to secure his or her aims and ambitions and they have a tendency to eat and drink more than they should," Nip said.
Ignatieff, one of Harper's biggest rivals in government, said he's looking forward to the new year. “As a fire pig, I look forward to what promises to be an exceptional year. I wish all pigs and non-pigs alike a memorably happy year to come," Ignatieff said.
“Fire pigs are energetic, adventurous, and pleasure seekers. They carry themselves in resolute manners and they are generous and quick to support a worthy cause, but they can get carried away by the excitement of the moment and are capable of outstanding acts of heroism. But when they are determined on an objective, it is almost impossible to sway them from it," Nip said.
Oddly enough, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion is born in the year of the sheep and sheep are most compatible and become best friends with pigs. More famous Canadians born in the year of the pig include rock star Bryan Adams, Tom Green, Sandra Oh, Paul Gross, painter Stanley Cosgrove, Olympic gold medallist Jennifer Heil, Toronto Maple Leafs Mats Sundin and Matt Stajan, Ottawa Senators centre Jason Spezza and Formula One racer Jacques Villeneuve.
Other famous pigs include the Dalai Lama, leader of the Chinese KMT Chiang-Kai Shek, Ford founder Henry Ford, Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Alfred Hitchcock, David Letterman and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Spezza said his only wish for the new year “is pretty easy — a Stanley Cup."
“The year of the pig?" Spezza said with a huge chuckle. “That one comes out of left field. But, it¹s nice to be in the company of someone like the prime minister."
Both Sundin and Stajan were unaware that they were members of The Year of the Pig fraternity. So what would they like the new year to bring?
“The most important thing is to make the playoffs," said Sundin. “And to win a championship, that¹s the ultimate goal."
Stajan agreed.
“I want what everyone in Toronto wants to see — a winning team here," he said. “We want to make the playoffs and then make a run at (the Stanley Cup). We¹re going to do everything we can to see that happen."
Leading up to New Year's Eve, rituals include family reunions with large dinners, gifts of money placed in red envelopes, firecrackers to ward off evil spirits, lion dances and a lantern festival.
“Toronto¹s vibrant and thriving Chinese community plays an incredibly important role in making this city the most diverse and cosmopolitan in the world," said Mayor David Miller. “I'm proud and pleased that so many Chinese-Canadians call Toronto home and I want wish everyone the very best for a safe, healthy and prosperous new year!"
With files from Mike Zeisberger, Sun Media
http://torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2007/02/16/pf-3638881.html