The symbolic meaning of the rooster and impressive gifts for 2017.

(Baonghean.vn) - Chickens, especially roosters, are present in many cultures around the world. They are domesticated animals that have been closely associated with human life for a long time. Since ancient times, roosters have become sacred animals in many belief systems and worship practices, serving as offerings.

The rooster symbolizes integrity and strength. (Image from the internet)

Traditionally, Vietnamese people have used roosters as offerings on New Year's Eve, hoping to "summon the sun." The ancient belief was that New Year's Eve is the darkest time of night, as it's when the sun is most hidden. Families would offer a rooster as a sacrifice, hoping the rooster would awaken the sun, bringing abundant light for the entire year.

Furthermore, the image of the rooster holds many auspicious meanings. Among the twelve zodiac animals, the rooster is considered to possess five great virtues: First, its head is combed like a hat, its body is adorned with beautiful, neat feathers – this represents Culture (Văn); Second, its legs are strong, its spurs sharp as weapons – this represents Martial Prowess (Võ); Third, it attacks upon encountering an opponent – ​​this represents Courage (Dũng); Fourth, it calls its kind upon finding food – this represents Benevolence (Nhân); Fifth, it crows precisely on time – this represents Trustworthiness (Tín). Of these, the rooster prioritizes Trustworthiness. Regardless of winter or summer, sunny or rainy days, it always crows on time.

The rooster crows to call the sun. (Image from the internet)

There is also a belief that each of the first eight days of the new year belongs to a different animal, with the rooster belonging to the first day of Tet, so a rooster is indispensable in the offering. Furthermore, when preparing a rooster for the offering, a rose must be attached to its beak. This is not only for decoration but also symbolizes the rooster crowing to greet the sun on the first day, signaling the arrival of the new year.

2017 was the Year of the Rooster, and in the trend of Lunar New Year gifts for the Year of the Rooster, the rooster mascot was chosen by many people because of its meaning of good luck and prosperity.

Feng Shui Rooster Statue

Statue of a chicken. Image from the internet.

The rooster symbol is believed to attract wealth and maintain stability in work and life. For the Lunar New Year of the Rooster 2017, the rooster was the animal representing the year, so many people bought rooster figurines, ranging from those made from ordinary materials to those plated with 24k gold.

Chicken-shaped jewelry

Ring shaped like a chicken. (Image from the internet)

Chicken wall art

The painting of the rooster depicts the five virtues: the red comb represents literary virtue; the majestic gait and dignified posture represent martial virtue; fighting to protect its kind when encountering enemies represents courage; calling its companions to eat when searching for food represents benevolence; and the rooster's crow at dawn represents trustworthiness.

Painting of a chicken. Image from the internet.

For newlywed couples, the painting symbolizes a wish for them to have children soon. Generally, a painting of chickens signifies blessings and good fortune for a peaceful and harmonious family reunion.

Cognac bottle shaped like a rooster.

Image from the internet.

This Russian rooster-shaped cognac is specially designed for the traditional Year of the Rooster in East Asian countries. The 2017 Rooster-shaped cognac is part of a series of Oriental Zodiac Animal-themed cognacs, produced specifically as diplomatic gifts between Russia and East Asian countries. The 2017 Rooster-shaped cognac is a luxurious and meaningful gift for the Lunar New Year.

Money with a chicken image

The trend of collecting banknotes featuring roosters from around the world to use as lucky money for the Year of the Rooster is gaining popularity among many people.

- The 2017 Australian gold-plated rooster coin carries significant meaning, from its design specifically for the Year of the Rooster 2017 to its auspicious feng shui symbolism. The rooster coin represents a year of great success and good fortune in work and business in 2017.

Image from the internet.

- The gold-plated $2 bill featuring a rooster, issued by the US Treasury Department, the Kamberra rooster bill, the Macao rooster bill… are also unique gifts for Tet 2017 because of the belief that giving them brings good luck and fortune.

The Kamberra chicken banknote. Image from the internet.

- In addition, the set of four mythical creatures (Dragon,麒麟, Turtle, Phoenix) symbolizing strength, power, beauty, and wealth, or the currency of the Maldives with the image of a ship full of hopes sailing out to sea, wishing for many favorable things. Known as the "smooth sailing" banknote… it is also considered a meaningful gift for Tet 2017.

The currency of the Maldives features an image of a boat. (Image from the internet)

Hoa Le

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