Happy Year of the Rooster!

We would like to wish you a happy new year! But did you know that 28th January marks the Chinese Year of the Rooster?

There are 12 zodiac signs, animals, that the Chinese use to represent their years. They run over a cycle of 12 years, so if you were born in the years 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, and 2005... then this means you're a Rooster! Other zodiac animals include Rabbits, Rats and Monkeys. With 2016 being the Year of the Monkey, we have a big year to follow up on!

Henry, one of our Roosters, full of pride that this year is dedicated to him!

So, why and how do the Chinese celebrate such an exhilarating occasion? The Chinese believe the celebrations, which run from 28th January - 2nd February, will lead to a lucky year; it celebrates the previous year of hard work, also allowing for rest and family time! It also wishes for a lucky coming year.

Celebration methods include:

• Using red to signify luck - decorating everywhere in red.
• Setting free lanterns.
• Festivals.
• Cyber-money and money gift-giving, usually in red envelopes.
• Dinners and other family time.

Fun Facts about the (not so humble!) Rooster

• Many Roosters struggle to get on with other Roosters, but they are intelligent animals nonetheless - Our Henry had a free-range period, where learnt to get on with our Goats!
• Roosters are the animals you hear being the village's personal alarm clock. 
• A younger Rooster is called a Cockerel, and an adult Rooster is called a Cock.
• A Rooster will typically guard his set of hens close, and is usually the head of the 'pecking order'. Pecking order is a literal term where chickens are concerned!
• Roosters are omnivores, and will typically, in the flock, get first access to all food.
• While some Roosters can be aggressive, species such as Bantams are easy to tame and are usually quite friendly. 
• A large comb on the head, plus larger frame/build, are what identifies a Rooster from a Hen. They can sometimes be aggressive, yes, but can also be tamed; a lovely back-garden pet.

We at Brockswood wish all animals, not just Roosters, a happy new year - and our visitors too! Don't forget, we re-open on 8th April, and can't wait to see you!