The Feeling of Filial Piety Moved Heaven 大舜孝感动天

The filial piety of Emperor Shun (23^rd to 22^nd century BC) was mentioned by Mencius when he said:

'Suppose the case of the whole kingdom turning in great delight to an individual to submit to him. To regard the whole kingdom thus turning to him in great delight but as a bundle of grass - only Shun was capable of this. He considered that if one could not get the hearts of his parents he could not be considered a man, and that if he could not get to an entire accord with his parents, he could not be considered a son. By Shun's completely fulfilling everything by which a parent could be served, Gushou (his father, literally means Blind Old-Man) was brought to find delight in what was good. When Gushou was brought to find that delight, the whole kingdom was transformed. When Gu Sou was brought to find that delight, all fathers and sons in the kingdom were established in their respective duties. This is called great filial piety.'

The story of Shun’s filial piety was later included as the first story in the book entitled The Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety written by the Yuan Dynasty scholar Guo Jujing.

In ancient China, during the reign of Yu, there lived a young man named Shun who was the son of Gushou. His nature was most filial. But his father was obstinate and his mother was boorish. His younger brother Xiang was proud and overbearing.

His families treated him very ill, and his mother and brother even had tried to murder him for several times. But every time after he saved himself with his wits, he forgave them. When he realized that his families hated him so much that they could not stop brewing plot against him, he run away and farm on Mount Li (in today's Shandong province)

When he worked in the field, the elephants ploughed for him and the birds weeded for him, for his feelings of filial piety were so great (that even the beasts were moved). Emperor Yao (of Tang) heard of this; he sent nine of his sons to wait on him and two of his daughters to be his wives and later abdicated the throne in his favour.

Verses praise him saying:

Herds of elephants plough in the spring;
Flocks of birds pull the weeds;
He is the heir of Yao and mounts his throne;
The spirit of filial piety moves the heart of Heaven.

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孟子谈到‘孝’时提到了帝舜（公元前23至22世纪之间）：

‘天下大悦而将归己。视天下悦而归己，犹草芥也。惟舜为然。不得乎亲，不可以为 人；不顺乎亲，不可以为子。言舜视天下之归己如草芥，而惟欲得其亲而顺之也。得者。曲为承顺以得其心之悦而已。顺则有以谕之于道，心与之一而未始有违，尤人所难也。为人盖泛言之，为子则愈密矣。舜尽事亲之道而瞽瞍厎豫，瞽瞍厎豫而天下化，瞽瞍厎豫而天下之为父子者定，此之谓 大孝。’

后来元代学者郭居敬把这个故事编排在他所编的《全相二十四孝》里的第一个故事：

虞舜。瞽瞍之子。性至孝。父顽母嚣。弟象傲, 尝谋杀舜，舜遂遁。舜耕于历山。有象为之耕。有鸟为之耘。其孝感如此。帝尧闻之。事以九男。妻以二女。遂以天下让焉。

系诗颂之。诗曰：
对对耕春象。
纷纷耘草禽。
嗣尧登帝位。
孝感动天下。

Yan Zhenqing: A Note on Political Principles 颜真卿：守政帖

Yan Zhenqing (709-785) was a great calligrapher as well as a high official in the Tang Dynasty. His artistic accomplishment in Chinese calligraphy parallels the greatest master calligraphers throughout the history, and his regular script style, Yan, is often imitated.

Yan Zhenqing and his family were known for having an honest and forthright character; they would rather die than go against their principles. This quality was eulogized throughout Chinese history. Yan Zhenqing’s brother, Yan Gaoqing, and nephew, Yan Jiming, were captured by An Lushan during the Anshi Rebellion. Yan Aiqing scathingly denounced An Lushan. An Lushan broke his bones, but he refused to retract his words. Then An Lushan cut out his tongue, but he never yielded. 

Yan Zhenqing himself was a victim of political frame-up for several times. This note was written to his sons and grandsons during his exile.

There are certain principles for statesmen to follow and they must be followed.

Last year I offended the court by my remonstration and was punished. But I will never sacrifice principle for the sake of pandering to the prevailing ideas. If I did, I would have to stand condemned through the ages. Although I am now exiled to a remote place, I would not feel ashamed of it throughout my life. I hope you will comprehend what I mean and will never abandon the principles.

颜真卿（709-785）是唐代的一个大书法家与朝廷官员。他在艺术上的成就，可以比拟历史上任何一位书法大师，而他的颜体为世人所研习。

颜真卿与其家人以诚实与直率个性而闻名于世。他们宁死也不愿意违反原则。他们的这种品质在历史上为人赞颂。安史之乱时，他的哥哥颜杲卿与侄儿颜季明为安禄山所擒。颜杲卿痛斥安禄山。安禄山断其骨，但是他就是不肯屈服。安禄山再割其舌，但是其还是屈服。

颜真卿本身也受到不少政治陷害。以下是他写给他的儿子与孙子的信。

政可守，不可不守。吾去岁中言事得罪，又不能逆道苟时，为千古罪人也。虽贬居远方，终身不耻。绪汝等当，须谓吾之寸心不可不守也。

Lord Ye’s Love of Dragon 叶公好龙

A story about ‘Lord Ye Loves Dragons’ was recorded in the Miscellany chapter of the book ‘New Prefaces’ by Liu Xiang of Han dynasty. It is used to criticise those high-sounding hypocritical people.

Zi Zhang, a student of Confucius, went to see the Duke of Lu, hoping to get a job in his court. However, Zi Zhang was neglected by the duke for seven days. Felt embarrassed, he asked his servant to pass the following message to the Duke of Lu:

“I heard you have high regards for the talents, and therefore travelled a long distance to visit you. In order to travel here, I have to brave the cold current and sand storm, and walked non-stop for many days. However, you have been ignoring me for seven days. That makes me think your so-called cherishing talent is actually like Lord Ye who loves dragon.

It is said that in ancient time there was a Lord Ye who was so fond of dragons that he had them embroidered on his cloths, carved on his wine bronze vessels, and painted all over his house.

Hearing of this, the dragon in heaven came down to thrust its head through the Lord’s door and put his tail through the window. At this sight, the Lord Ye fled, frightened nearly out of his wits.

This shows that Lord Ye was not truly fond of the dragons. He liked what looked like a dragon, not the real things.

Now I heard you are fond of talents and travelled from far away to see you. But you have neglected me for seven days. You are not actually fond of talents; you like what looks like talents, not the real talents.

It is said in the Book of Poetry: ‘Things you love in your heart, how could you ever forget?’ So, I am sorry, I have to leave now.”

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汉•刘向《新序•杂事》记载的故事是用来讽刺那些位居高位的伪君子。

子张见鲁哀公，七日而哀公不礼。托仆夫而去，曰：

“臣闻君好士，故不远千里之外，犯霜露，冒尘垢，百舍重研，不敢休息以见君。七日而君不礼，君之好士也，有似叶公子高之好龙也。

叶公子高好龙，钩以写龙，凿以写龙，屋室雕文以写龙。

于是天龙闻而下之，窥头于牖，施尾于堂。叶公见之，弃而还走，失其魂魄，五色无主。

是叶公非好龙也，好夫似龙而非龙者也。

今臣闻君好士，故不远千里之外以见君，七日而君不礼，君非好士也，好夫似士而非士者也。

诗曰：‘中心藏之，何日忘之！’敢托而去。”

Confucius: Not Easy to Know a Person 孔子：知人不易

Yan Hui 颜回

Yan Hui, also known as Zi Yuan and Yan Yuan, was one of the outstanding students in the early teaching career of Confucius. He is from the country Lu. He also followed Confucius as he travelled around the countries. He was the most accomplished student in the category of morality and had great success in virtue and the classics. He was the only person to be praised by Confucius as a humane man. His hair went white when he was twenty-nine, and he died when he was thirty-one years old.

It was recorded that a small action by Yuan Hui had caused Confucius to misunderstand him. Although the misunderstanding was finally cleared up, the incident led Confucius to sigh with emotion that it is not easy to know a man well. Even a sage like Confucius can be confused, how about ordinary people like us?

Here is a story selected from the Lu’s Spring and Autumn Annals:

Confucius and his followers were once stranded in the bordering area between the state of Chen and the state of Cai, where he was in such adversity that for seven days he hadn’t eaten a single grain of rice and had to relieve his hunger with only weeds from the woods. As he was taking his nap at midday, his pupil Yan Hui brought back some rice obtained by begging and started cooking. As the rice was almost done, Confucius saw Yan Hui eating some of it. When the rice was done, Yan Hui offered the rice to Confucius with great respect. Confucius pretended not to have seen anything, got up and said, "I have seen my deceased father in my dream, and would like to make an offering to him with this meal."

"You can’t offer the rice, it is not pure," Yan Hui said. "During the cooking, there was coal dust in the pan. Since it is a pity to throw away food messed with coal dust, I picked out the dirty grains and ate them."

After a deep sigh, Confucius said, "I always rely on my eyes to judge, but at times my eyes cannot be trusted; I always rely on our hearts to judge, but our judgment is not always reliable. People, please take note: it is not easy to know a man well."

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颜回，又称子渊与颜渊，是孔子早期的一个杰出的学生。他来自鲁国，跟随孔子周游诸国。在孔子的弟子中，颜渊以“贤”而著称，是唯一被孔子称赞为仁者。他的头发29岁时变白，31岁就去世。

据说，有一次颜回的一个小小的举动，却招致了孔子的误会。虽然误会最终冰释，孔子却不由得发出“知人不易”的感慨。连“圣人”孔子在“知人”方面都有困惑的时候，何况我们常人呢!

以下故事选自《吕氏春秋》：

孔子穷乎陈蔡之间，藜羹不斟,七日不尝粒，昼寝。颜回索米，得而 之，几熟，孔子望见颜回攫其甑中而食之。选间食熟，谒孔子而进食。孔子佯装不见之。孔子起曰："今者梦见先君，食洁而后馈。"

颜回对曰："不可，向者煤 入甄中，弃食不祥，回攫而饮之。"

孔子叹曰："所信者目也，而目犹不可信;所恃者心也，而心犹不足恃。弟子记之，知人固不易矣！"

Fairy Fox Repaid Previous Debts 狐女还债

The following story is from ‘Gossips from the Micro-reading Hall’.

Mr Chu had a young maid servant; she was rough and robust. But as she grew up she became a very pretty and charming lady. So Chu married made her his concubine. She was also bright and managed the household matters well. None of the servants would dream of cheating her on household or financial matters, as surely they would be caught. She was also quite adroit in business dealings and financial investment. Soon she acquired a considered fortune for Chu who loved and treasured her even more as years went by.

Then one day, she asked Chu, ‘Do you really know who I am?’ Chu laughed and said, ‘Are you kidding?’ He said out her pet name and asked her, 'aren’t you the former young maid?’

She said, ‘No, that young maid had already absconded from your house many years back. She is now married in the next village and had a seven year old son. I am actually a fairy fox. Nine generations ago you were a very rich merchant, I was your trusted accountant and you had treated me very well. Yet I misappropriated three thousand taels of gold from you. I was punished and was later born as a fox while you continued to be born as human beings. I have since been practicing the art of ascetics for hundreds of years and have completed the training. I was able to ascend to the next world but for the debt I still owe you. So when the ugly maid ran away I replaced her and later became your concubine. In the past years I have worked very hard and had earned enough money for you to repay the debts. SO I am now leaving you. And when I leave I will leave behind my fox carcass, and you ask your servant to bury me, he will certainly remove the skin of the fox to sell elsewhere. Do let him do it without stopping him, for in my previous existence as a fox I had consumed the corpse of his previous life four generations ago when I was hungry. I have to let him mutilate my body, as I have to repay that debt too.’

She then dropped on to the floor. The fairy fox left the dead body and ascended slowly out of the house. She looked completely different from the concubine. Chu didn’t want the dead body to be mutilated, he buried it secretly. But the servant knew about it and dug it out, skinned the carcass and sold the fur. When Chu heard about it he could only sigh.

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以下故事来自《阅微草堂笔记》：

朱某一婢，粗材也，稍长，渐慧黠，眉目亦渐秀媚，因纳为妾，颇有心计，摒挡井井，米盐琐屑，家人纤毫不敢欺，欺则必败。又善居积，凡所贩鬻，来岁价必贵，朱以渐裕，宠之专房。

一日忽谓朱曰：君知我为谁，朱笑曰：尔颠耶？因戏举其小名曰，尔非某耶？

曰：非也，某逃去久矣，今为某地某人妇，生子已七八岁。我本狐女，君九世前为巨商，我为司会计，君遇我厚，而我乾没君三千余金，冥谪堕狐身，炼形数百年，幸得成道，然坐此负累，终不得升仙，故因此婢之逃，幻其貌以事君。计十余年来，所入足以敌所逋，今尸解去矣。我去之后，必现狐形，君可付某仆埋之。彼必裂尸而取革，君勿罪彼。彼四世前为饿殍时，我未成道，曾啖其尸，听彼碎磔我，庶冤可散也。

俄化狐仆地，有好女长数寸，出顶上，冉冉去，其貌则别一人矣。朱不忍而自埋之，卒为此仆窃发，剥卖其皮，朱知为夙业，浩叹而已。

Han Feizi: Zheng Man Buys Shoes 韩非子：郑人置履

Han Fei, or Han Feizi (ca. 280 BC – 233 BC) was a Chinese philosopher who developed the doctrine of the School of Law or Legalism. Unlike the other famed philosophers of the time, Han Fei was a member of the ruling aristocracy, having been born into the ruling family of the state of Han during the end phase of the Warring States Period.

Han Fei's philosophy centred on the ruler who could firmly controls the state with the help of three concepts: his position of power, proper techniques, and laws. Legalism assumes that everyone acts according to one principle: avoiding punishment while simultaneously trying to achieve gains. Thus, the law must severely punish any unwanted action, while at the same time reward those who follow it.

His handbook for the ruler deals with the problems of strengthening and preserving the state, the way of the ruler, the use of power, and punishment and favour. Ironically, the ruler most influenced by Han Feizi, the king of Qin, eventually sent Han Feizi to prison, where he later committed suicide.

Here is a fable cited by him on a person who rigidly adheres to rules and regulations (or established convention), while at the same time ignoring the reality of a situation.

A man from Zheng, needing some shoes, measured his feet, but left the measurements behind on his chair. When he got to market, he forgot to bring the measurements. He found some shoes, but he murmured, ‘I forgot to bring the measurements.’ He turned around to return home and get them. By the time he got back to the market, it was closed, and so he did not get any shoes.

Someone said, "Why didn't you just try them on your feet?" The man said, "I trust the measurements, not my feet."

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韩非，或韩非子（大约公元前280年至233年左右）发起法学说的中国哲学家。与当时其他的著名哲学家不同的是，韩非生长在战国时代韩国统治者的贵族家庭。

韩非的哲学主要是集中在统治者以势、术与法牢牢控制国家。法家假设每个人都以一个原则来行动：避免惩罚的同时获取最大利益。所以，法律应该惩罚不必要的行为，并奖励那些遵守守法的人。

他为统治者书写的指导涉及加强及维持统治的问题，统治者之道，权力的应用，奖与罚，等等。有讽刺意味的是，秦王受韩非的影响很大，最后却把韩非关进监牢，他就在牢里自杀。

这里是他讲的一个有关一个人拘守礼法而无视于现实情况的寓言：

郑人有且置履者，先自度其足，而置之其坐。至之市而忘操之。已得履，乃曰：“吾忘持度。”反归取之。及反，市罢，遂不得履。

人曰：“何不试之以足？ ”曰：“宁信度, 无自信也。”

The Rabbit and Old Chinese Sayings 成语中的兔子

This year is the Chinese year of the rabbit and there are a number of Chinese proverbs and idioms feature references to the rabbit, for example: ‘Foxes grieve over the death of rabbits’, ‘A rabbit’s tail cannot be long’, ‘When cunning hares have all been hunted, fleeing hounds will be cooked as food’, ‘A sly rabbit has three openings to its den’, ‘Waiting for a rabbit to hit upon a tree and be killed in order to catch it’ and etc.

守株待兔

The saying ‘a rabbit’s tail cannot be long’ refers to who resort to treachery cannot get away for it very long and ‘Foxes grieve over the death of rabbits’ reflect a person’s sad feeling for the death or misfortunes of his companions.

The proverb ‘When cunning hares have all been hunted, fleeing hounds will be cooked as food’ was once cited by the wise man Fan Li, an advisor in the state of Yue in the Spring and Autumn Period (722-481 BC). It is used to mean trusted aides are eliminated when they have outlived their usefulness. Fan Li was trying to advice his friend to leave the King who, in his opinion, was a man with whom one can weather difficult times together but not happiness, with whom one can weather danger together but not live peace together. It is therefore important to leave him before he harms you. Click here to read more about Fan Li’s advice.

The proverb ‘A sly rabbit has three openings to its den’ indicates having more hiding places or methods. It is used to suggest the need for backup plans or escape routes in dealing with uncertainties. It comes from a story in ‘Stratagems of the Warring States’ about Feng Xuan who had said: ‘Only with three burrows can a wily hare avoid the risk of death.’ Click here to read the story.

The proverb ‘Waiting for a rabbit to hit upon a tree and be killed in order to catch it’ comes from ‘The Five Vermin’ in ‘The Works of Han Feizi’. It advises that one should not wait for unexpected gains by leaving things to chance and luck, or one should not hope to get rewards without hard work.

Once in the Song Land there was a farmer, in whose field there was a tree. One day a rabbit ran toward the tree, too fast as to hit into the tree, broke its neck and died. From then on, he laid down his tools, doing nothing but wait under the lucky tree, hoping for another rabbit. But no more rabbit came, and the farmer turned out to be the laughing stock of his fellow countrymen.

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今年是华人的兔年，有不少华人的成语和俗语是与兔子有关的，例如：‘兔死狐悲’，‘兔子尾巴长不了’，‘兔死狗烹’，‘狡兔三窟’，‘守株待兔’，等等。

俗语‘兔子尾巴长不了’指的是背信弃义的事是维持不了多久的，而‘兔死狐悲’反映因同类的死亡或悲事而感到悲伤。

成语‘兔死狗烹’曾被春秋时期（公元前722年至481年）越国大臣范蠡引用过，比喻事情成功以后，把出过力的人杀掉。范蠡尝试劝告他的朋友离开越王，认为越王‘可与共患难，而不可共处乐；可与履危，不可与安。’所以应该在不被他杀害之前离开。请点击这里阅读有关故事。

成语‘狡兔三窟’指兔子有多个隐藏处或指多个方法。它用来指明需要后备计划或者脱险通道来应付变化无常的局势。来自《战国策》冯谖的故事：‘狡兔有三窟，仅得免其死耳。’请点击这里阅读这个故事。

成语‘守株待兔’来自《韩非子•五蠹》，劝告我们不要听天由命，以来运气，或期望不劳而获。

宋人有耕田者。田中有株，兔走，触株折颈而死。因释其耒而守株，冀复得兔。兔不可得，而身为宋国笑。

The Rabbit in Mythology 兔子的神话

Rabbits have stood out in the human imagination for centuries. All across the world, wherever rabbits are found, they have become the subject of myth, folklore, and creative speculation. It's no surprise that these playful, intelligent and mysterious creatures have attracted the attention of mystics and storytellers throughout the world.

In Chinese mythology, the Rabbit is a symbol of endurance and their essence is said to have originated from the Moon. The Moon is usually at its best in the Chinese mid-autumn night. , This is the time Chinese children carry paper lanterns made in the form of a Rabbit, and climb the hills to look at the Moon and admire the Moon Hare.

The legend of the Jade Rabbit is considered to be an extension of Chang'e Flying to the Moon. It tells about three sages who transformed themselves into pitiful old men. One day they met a fox, a monkey and a rabbit, and they begged for food. The fox and the monkey shared their food with the old men; but the rabbit, with nothing to share, jumped into a blazing fire to offer his own flesh instead. The sages were so touched by the rabbit's kindness that they sent it to live in the Moon Palace, where it became the Jade Rabbit.

Chang'e, who lived alone after arriving in the moon, liked the Jade Rabbit at the first sight, and therefore kept it company. As the time went by, Chang'e and Jade Rabbit became inseparable friends.

Hearing about the story of Chang'e and Hou Yi, the Jade Rabbit felt sympathetic to them and decided to make a special heavenly medicine, which could help Chang'e return to Earth. Unfortunately, the Jade Rabbit has still not been able to make it even though he has worked hard for thousands of years. Observing the moon on the Mid-Autumn Day carefully, we can still see the Jade Rabbit making his heavenly medicine.

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自古以来，兔子一直保留在人们的想象之中。世界各地，只要是有兔子的地方，它们都会成为神话、民间故事与创意推断的主题。这些顽皮、机灵与神秘的动物会吸引神秘主义者与讲故事人的注意力，那是不令人感到惊奇的。

在中国神话中，兔子是耐力的象征，它们的精髓来自月亮。中秋晚上的月最圆最亮。孩子会在这时候提着兔形灯笼登山看月，欣赏月里的兔子。

玉兔的故事可以说是嫦娥奔月神话的延续。它说的是三个神仙把自己变成可怜的老人。有一天，他们碰到狐狸、猴子与兔子，就向他们讨食。狐狸与猴子同老人分享它们的食物。可是兔子没有食物可以分享，就跳进烈火中，奉献它们的肉。老人为兔子的善心所感动，就把它带到月宫居住，变成玉兔。

嫦娥来到月球以后，孤独生活，一看到玉兔就很欢喜，所以结伴而居。随着日子的过去，他们变成不可分离的朋友。

听到嫦娥与后羿的故事后，玉兔可怜起他们，决定制造特别仙药来帮助嫦娥回返地球。可是，虽然经过几千年的苦干，玉兔一直没法把要制成。在中秋月仔细观察月亮，我们就可以发现玉兔还在制造它的仙药。

The Metal Rabbit Forecast 2011 兔年运程

2011 is the year of Xin Mao, which is known as Metal Rabbit year or Golden Rabbit year. The Heavenly Stem which is represented by Metal Xin is sitting on top of Earthly Branches Wood Mao. This terminology of Metal sitting on Wood is similar to 2010 Metal Geng and Wood Yin except that 2011 is Yin Metal and Yin Wood while 2010 is Yang Metal and Yang Wood.

The colours White (for Silver) and Gold represent the Metal Element. Yin Metal is like a small knife which is sharp and swift in strike. Once provoked, it implies potential hidden threats. As such, beware of undercover robberies and petty thieves. Guard your homes with alarm and security. Yin Wood resembles small plants though subtle but flexible. Imagine that during a heavy storm, the tall trees will fall first.

Yin Metal and Yin Wood in conflict implies that disputes may even occur over minor issues. Therefore, be mindful and avoid offending others. Minor errors may lead to serious consequences. Also, do be prepared for new rulings at work or from your superiors. At home, pay more attention to your teenage children. It is a year in which the family will come first.

Having two Yins (Yin metal and Yin wood) could mean polarisation of opinions resulting in conflicting ideologies, arguments and clashes, which may lead to destructive relationship.

Things will move slowly, although they will get done more correctly. People will reveal their bunny-side and will listen to their heart rather than their mind. Discussions and consensus will be catch words of the year. Art, culture and ethnicity will come to the forefront. Leisurely travels and personal growth will be more visible.

Inauspicious industries are: shipping, transportation, energy, gas, timber, travel, pulp and paper, stationery, publishing and media. These industries will face stiff competition and price wars.

Metal industries such as gold, silver, jewellery, automobile and steel related products will be in demand. The property prices will continue to rise in 2011 but at a slower pace compared to 2010. People involved in singing and acting, concerts and road shows, teaching and law professions will be in good demand. There will be still more medical and scientific inventions and highly beneficial innovations in Communications, Internet and IT industries. The IT industry will be launching a bigger range of new communication products.

Click here also to read more on Chinese Zodiacal Years.
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2010年是辛卯年，也是金兔或玉兔年。天干以辛代表金在上，地干以卯代表土在下。这就如2010年的金庚与木寅。可是，2011年是阴金与阴木，而2010年却是阳金与阳木。

白色（或银色）与金代表金元素。阴金就如一把短刀，尖锐而行动迅速。被激怒时，潜在危机更大。所以，要注意内贼与小偷。应以防盗安全系统来保护你的家的安全。阴木犹如小植物，细微而有弹性。想象狂风暴雨时，大树先折倒。

阴金与阴木之间的冲突表明就算小事也可能引起争执。所以，小心并避免得罪别人。同时，对来自工作或上司要执行新条例要有心理准备。在家，要关注少年期的孩子。今年是以家为主的一年。

两阴（阴金与阴木）同时出现可能表示意见分歧，引起理念与争论的抵触，冲突，并导致恶劣关系。

工作可能进行得比较慢，但是会做得好。人们会显露出诙谐的一面，以情感而不是心智来倾听。今年常常会听到的词语应该是：讨论与共识。艺术、文化与民族会站在第一线。休闲旅游与个人成长明显重要。

艰难行业包括：航运、交通、能源、瓦斯、木料、旅游、纸业、文具、印刷业与媒介。这些行业会面对激烈竞争与削价行为。

与金属有关的行业如黄金、银、汽车、钢铁有关的工业则有需求。产业的价格在2011年会继续上扬，但比起2010年缓慢得多。从事有关歌唱、表演、音乐表演、街边秀、教书与法律的人，需求大增。医药与科学发明会增多。交通、互联网与信息工业会有高度实用创新产品。

请点击这里阅读有关华人生肖本命年的详情。

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2011: The Chinese Year of The Rabbit 2011年是兔年

The upcoming Chinese New Year falls on 3 February 2011. According to the Chinese Zodiac, it is the Year of the Rabbit. The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs.

According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation. Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

People born in the Year of the Rabbit share certain characteristics: keen, wise, fragile, tranquil, serene, considerate, fashionable, and kind. Generally, they are quite calm, do not exhibit aggressive behaviour, and will avoid confrontation at all costs. When angry about something, they will approach it calmly and considerately, hardly ever raising their voice. And they are quite keen and pay close attention to the situations developing around them. They are intelligent and quick, and can talk themselves in or out of most situations with no problem.

They are good teachers, counsellors and communicators; they also often make ideal diplomats or politicians. They can also make great painters or musicians due to their sense of beauty and their love of creativity.

Although rabbit people get on well with everyone, at heart they are basically reserved creatures and need their own space, and are only really happy when they are engrossed in some sort of scholarly or intellectual activity.

The average rabbit person emphasizes the importance of small details. They pay attention to everything from colour, design and furniture to food and conversation. And only when they are sure that everything has been arranged as they wished, these people can relax and have fun. Opting for safety over risk they may miss good opportunities.

Calm as they are, it is not easy to provoke rabbit people. They are sentimental and compassionate. Yes, and they cry easily too. They can be moved by personal problems you share with them. Therefore, if you work as a salesman for a living, you will have much better luck with rabbit people - Nine out of ten Rabbit people will definitely buy your products!

They will become depressed and withdrawn if their homes do not consist of beautiful possessions that make them comfortable. Their homes and offices usually are clutter-free. Rabbit people are usually relatively careful when it comes to their finances. They use much of their money for possessions such as their homes, cars or furniture. They love hunting for antiques, arts and crafts and will tend to make sound investments in these types of things.

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今年华人新年是在阳历2月3日。根据华人生肖，今年是兔年。兔子在华人生肖十二个动物之中，排名第四。

根据华人传统，兔子给我们带来松一口气与舒静神经的机会。也是磋商好时机。不要硬来盲闯，那将导致最终的失败。这个时候，应该争取最大利益，关心家庭、家人、安全、交际、你与女性及孩子的关系。立定目标，营造安全平和生活方式，这样你就可以安稳地应对可能出现的问题。

出生于兔年的人有一些共同的特点：热忱、聪明、虚弱、宁静、安详、体贴、时髦与友好。一般上，他们相当平静，不会做出闯劲行为，并不计成本来避免对峙。对一些事感到愤怒，他们会平静、友好以待，很少会提高声调。他们热心与关注身边事务。他们聪明与机灵，善以口舌脱离困境而无事。

他们是好老师、辅导员、交流者；他们也是理想的外交家，或者政治家。他们也会成为伟大的画家或音乐家，鉴于他们对美的特别触觉与对创作的热爱。

虽然生于兔年的人与人相处得很好，可是他们的内心基本上是内向的，需要有个人空间；只有在全神贯注于学识与理智活动时，他们才会得到真正的欢愉。

一般的生于兔年的人，强调细节的重要。他们注重每一细节，从颜色、设计、家具、食物到交谈。只有他们肯定每一细节都按照他们的意思去安排后，他们才会放轻松与玩乐。由于选择安全多过选择机会，他们可能失去好的机会。

他们虽然平静，但是不容易被惹怒。他们感情用事、有怜悯之心。是的，他们容易哭啼。他们容易被你同他们分享的事而感动。所以，如果你以卖物品为生，你能卖给兔年出世的人的机会最多，百分之九十会给你生意。

如果家里没有令他们舒服的东西，他们会变成沮丧、不与人交往。他们的家与办公室一般清洁干净。他们对钱财相对来说很小心。他们把大部分的钱花在家居、汽车与家具之类的产品。他们喜欢古董、手工艺术品，善于投资在这些东西上。