猪年吉祥 2019
The Race for the Chinese Zodiac by Gabrielle Wang, tells of a popular myth behind the Chinese Zodiac:
Long ago in ancient China, the Jade Emperor, ruler of Heaven and Earth, proclaimed a mighty race: The first twelve animals to cross the river will each have a year named after them, and each animal’s position in the zodiac would be set by its place in the race.
Created with mixed media comprising Chinese brush and ink, digital media and linocut by Sally Rippin and Regine Abos, the striking illustrations which are reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings, depict the friendship, trickery and/or teamwork amongst the animals of the myth.
Thus, the order of the Chinese Zodiac begins with Rat, followed by Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and ends with Pig.
The pig may be the last animal in the race for the zodiac, but…
Pigs always try to do what is right. They are popular and tolerant and great fun to be with. They are peace-loving, lucky, honest and patient and also love their food.
Gabrielle Wang, The Race for the Chinese Zodiac
One pig that we are no stranger to is Miss Piggy, one of the main characters of The Muppet Show, a comedy television series.
Miss Pigathia Lee, well known as Miss Piggy, is a prima-donna pig who is convinced that she is destined for stardom. This charismatic pig with a penchant for using French phrases in speech has her feminine charm, but she also knows karate! She is multi-talented and quickly made her presence known both on and off The Muppet Show, including television specials, home videos, records, books, magazines and movies.
Miss Piggy is designed by Bonnie Erickson and modelled after Peggy Lee, an American jazz singer. She is one of the few Muppets to be fully realised in three dimensions, and she became one of The Muppet Show‘s most popular characters. Her movements and voice were originally performed by Frank Oz.
The lead chanteuse of The Muppet Show, here is Miss Piggy performing with Kermit the Frog and the rest of the Muppets for the 2011 movie, the song that we are all au fait with, Rainbow Connection: Enjoy!
Rainbow Connection
Performed by: The Muppets (2011)
Songwriters: Kenny Ascher / Paul Hamilton Williams
Rainbow Connection lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company, Universal Music Publishing Group
Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what’s on the other side
Rainbows are visions
But only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we’ve been told and some choose to believe it
I know they’re wrong, wait and see
Someday we’ll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
All of us under its spell
We know that it’s probably magic
Have you been half asleep
And have you heard voices
I’ve heard them calling my name
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors
The voice might be one and the same
I’ve heard it too many times to ignore it
It’s something that I’m supposed to be
Someday we’ll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
Even if you do not yet know how to play music, what is important is taking the first step. Visit us at https://www.bloom.com.sg/ to find out more about our Early Childhood music programmes and Instrumental courses.
In the words of Miss Piggy herself: I don’t care what you think of me, unless you think I’m awesome. In which case, you’re right. Just like Miss Piggy, stay fearless and confident in making music!
From all of us at Bloom School of Music & Arts, have a wonderful pig-out this Chinese New Year (but remember to exercise after!)
