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Today is #ChineseNewYear 
: the year of the Niu (Ox). Niu generally refers to oxen, bulls and buffalos which are important motifs in Chinese, as well as in Mesopotamian mythology. 1/5
: the year of the Niu (Ox). Niu generally refers to oxen, bulls and buffalos which are important motifs in Chinese, as well as in Mesopotamian mythology. 1/5
The Niu symbolizes in both #Chinese and #Sumerian myths the protection against enemies. In the Epic of #Gilgamesh a Bull of Heaven is sent to attack, but is eliminated by Gilgamesh. 2/5
The Sumerian myth Kusarikku (bull-man) was characterized as a door keeper to protect the inhabitants from malevolent intruders, symbolizing divinity and power. 3/5
As stated in a poem by the Chinese poet Lu Hsun (b. 1881):
“Fierce-bound, I coolly defy a thousand pointing fingers, head bowed, like a willing ox, I serve the children”. 4/5
“Fierce-bound, I coolly defy a thousand pointing fingers, head bowed, like a willing ox, I serve the children”. 4/5
May the allegory of the Niu be a symbol for the year #2021. #HappyChineseNewYear! 5/5
