What! I thought these Lunar New Year’s repeated every 12 years? You know: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse,. Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig? Well yes, that’s correct. However, there’s also five elements that accompany them: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
So you might think; OK, so we’re going though this 12-year animal cycle in a “Fire” year, right? Um, unfortunately…No. Each element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) lasts for only two consecutive years (one Yin, one Yang), while the 12-year animal cycles keep repeating. Any two signs won’t align again (i.e. Horse and Fire) until every 60 years. Simple, Yes!
The Five Elements Theory first appeared during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). It became widespread: mostly used in Chinese medicine, philosophy, fengshui, fortune-telling, and martial arts. Apparently, they are the fundamental elements of “everything in the universe” that interacts.
I won’t go into anymore (there is so much more) because you can find out everything you ever wanted (or not) to know at the site: China Highlights Travel Guide-Chinese Zodiac: five elements.
So what does this have to do with Det. Charlie Chan? Um, let me think about that. Oh right! In case you were wondering, Detective Chang Apana’s sign (that’s the real-life HPD Detective) was a (Metal) Goat. And Creator of the fictional Det. Chan, Author Earl Derr Biggers, was born a (Wood) Monkey.
“Gōngxǐ fācái.” Wishing everyone the best in Health, Prosperity and Wisdom in the coming Lunar New Year; February 17, 2026 to February 5, 2027, The Year of the Horse. Especially if you were born in 1906, 1966, or your birthday happens to be this lunar year 2026 (coochy, coochy, coo)!
“He who accepts with a smile whatever the gods may send, has mastered most important lesson in life’s hard school”
Charlie Chan Carries On, 1930, Chapter 15
Postscript. Watch to the end and find out why the Cat and the Rat are forever enemies (3:35 mins):
The Postman on Holiday 