I’m a rabbit. A fluffy, snuggly, loving, little bunny rabbit. That’s me. If you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about, it’s related to the year I was born – yes, you’ve guessed it. I’m talking about the Chinese Zodiac (I know you’re not daft – I mentioned it in the title!). I was born in 1975 (right at the very end, I might add!) which just so happens to be the year of the rabbit.
Chinese folklore
The Jade Emperor (The Emperor in Heaven in Chinese folklore) ordered that animals would be designated as calendar signs and the twelve that arrived first would be selected. At that time, the cat and the rat were good friends and neighbours. When they heard of this news, the cat said to the rat: ‘We should arrive early to sign up, but I usually get up late.’ The rat then promised to awaken his friend and go together. However, on the morning when he got up, he was too excited to recall his promise, and went directly to the gathering place. On the way, he encountered the tiger, ox, horse, and other animals that ran much faster.
In order not to fall behind them, he thought up a good idea. He made the straightforward ox carry him on condition that he sang for the ox. At last, the ox and he arrived first. The ox was happy thinking that he would be the first sign of the years, but the rat had already slid in front, and became the first lucky animal of the Chinese zodiac.
(Taken from the Simon Harrison website)
It was this lovely tale that inspired jeweller Simon Harrison to produce an exquisite collection based on the Chinese Zodiac. Each necklace features a beautifully handmade pendant in sterling silver and comes in a cute little circular box:
I absolutely love my little bunny rabbit and couldn’t wait to share it with you on the blog. It feels solid, like it will last a lifetime – actually it’s the kind of thing that would be a lovely gift to pass down through the family. Or, with Valentine’s coming up, wouldn’t it be a fabulous gift for a loved one?
Chinese New Year
Just a few days after Valentine’s, it’s actually the Chinese New Year so how about a gift for yourself to celebrate?! I’m full of good ideas, aren’t I? FYI, Chinese New Year is actually a movable event due to it being based on the lunar calendar. This year is the year of the dog (and so were 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006). Chinese astrologers believe that the year you were born determines quite a lot about your character and personality traits.
Year of the Rabbit
For example, those of us born in the year of the rabbit are supposedly kind-hearted, friendly, intelligent, cautious, skilful, gentle, quick and will live long (hurrah). But on the negative side, apparently we can also be stubborn, superficial, melancholy and over-discreet. Oh dear! I think the first description was more me though 😉 Simple Google Chinese Zodiac to find out more details about your own personality-types.
What animal are you in the Chinese Zodiac?
Dog – 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and 2018.
Dragon – 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012.
Horse – 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014.
Monkey – 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016.
Ox – 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and 2009
Pig – 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019.
Rabbit – 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and 2011.
Rat – 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008
Rooster – 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017.
Sheep – 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 and 2015
Snake – 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013.
Tiger – 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010.
But back to my stunning Simon Harrison Chinese Zodiac necklace. Initially, I’d thought to wear it with something more fun and flirty but because it was a little bit of a chilly morning, I settled instead for my favourite wide-legged wool trousers and a plain burgundy polo neck beneath a navy blue wool cardigan. Add to that my burgundy Rieker ankle boots, burgundy Knomo handbag and my Massimo Dutti winter coat and my outfit was complete. I like to call it ‘librarian chic’ 😉
I love Simon Harrison’s joie de vivre when it comes to jewellery. Just read their ‘About‘ page and see for yourselves…
Jewellery is our passion. It is the goal of the Simon Harrison team to create expressive, inspiring and accessible fashion jewellery that brings joy to those who wear it. We are motivated by a happy team environment and the satisfaction of a job well done. Our enjoyment of jewellery is intuitive; not that different from primitive man’s first impulse to wear a beautiful shell around his neck or to pass that on as a token of love. We believe that jewellery should be uplifting to the wearer and an expression of their personality.
And I certainly couldn’t agree more! Visit Simon Harrison’s website and check out the gorgeous goodies in store.
* I was gifted this necklace from Simon Harrison and all view and opinions and entirely mine.
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