One of Tallinn artist Marju Bormeister’s rooster portraits entitled Aga teie! / And you?... watercolour, 2004. Marju was born in the year of the rooster 1945. Her father was Estonia’s master of landscape painting Märt Bormeister (1916-1991).
In the 12-year, 12-animal cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar, the upcoming new moon on February 9th marks Chinese New Year, the end of the monkey’s reign and the torch being passed on to the hothead redhead. All joking aside, in Estonian punane kukk katusel, a red rooster on the roof, is the most unwelcome guest – fire. So please, no whistling indoors… or crowing, just in case.
But is may be an asset to know that cock-a-doodle-doo and the French cocorico translate to kikerikii and kukeleegu, depending on where you wake in Eesti. Just as the one doing the crowing is known both as a kukk and kikas.
There are three ways to name a Chinese year: by a designated animal, repeated every 12 years, by its former name (2005 is the year of Yiyou), which is repeated every 60 years, or numerically – this will be the year 4702.
As for people born in the Year of the Rooster… “They are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy, are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric and can have difficult relationships with others. They always think they are right and usually are! They are frequently loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, tend to be are timid. Rooster people’s emotions are like their fortunes, they swing very high to very low.”
“Rooster males are dashing, handsome fellows and will have young women flocking to their sides. Their Hen counterparts, stylish in the classical vein, will attract their suitors through their no-nonsense, down-to-earth approach to life. Because of their own exquisite taste in clothing, both Roosters and Hens may be impatient or aloof with people who don’t dress well.” (Igavene kiidukukk – boastful rooster; cocky.)
Vaadake, milline saba mul on! / Look at the tail I've got! - Marju Bormeister, watercolour, 30 x 21,5 cm, 2004, Tallinn
As for everyone else in the barnyard and urban jungle, here’s what to keep in mind in the year ahead: “Dissensions and debates on all fronts will signify the Rooster's penchant for argumentative exercises and will not be likely to do permanent damage to anyone when taken in the right context.” / “This is the year of one very self-sufficient bird that will never go hungry.” / “The Rooster likes to flaunt his authority and a lot of trouble can come from his domineering attitude. But since he also symbolizes the good administrator and conscientious overseer of justice in the barnyard, the peace will still be kept. Everything will be precariously balanced in the Rooster's year, as his dramatic personality can set off all kinds of petty disputes.” (Tapleb kui nõgikikas – battles like a soot-black rooster.)
Tips for New Year’s Eve and Day according to Chinese tradition: be mindful of appearance and attitude, but washing your hair could mean washing away good luck for the year ahead. When tidying up, avoid sweeping the family’s good fortune out onto Main Street – all dirt and rubbish must be taken out the back door. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion – a bright, happy colour, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. Children and unmarried friends, as well as close relatives are given lai see, little red envelopes with crisp one dollar bills inserted, for good fortune.
Golden roosters top many church spires in Estonia, but in cities roosters are most often seen on the cover of childrens’ first book of ABCs, the aabits, also known as kukeaabits. If something approaches kukesammul, like spring for instance, it’s getting closer one little rooster step at a time. A widely used contemporary expression is See on kukepea, or simply Häh, kukepea! – it’s a rooster’s head. In other words, not a problem. And when spying some of those dashing aforementioned specimens, remember your grandmother’s expression – poisid kui supikuked, boys like soup roosters.
RIINA KINDLAM, (69 model kikas), Tallinn
Käib kah! / It'll do! - Marju Bormeister, watercolour, 2004. Reproductions courtesy of Gallery Viviann Napp, Tallinn
