Liu Yusu (Chinese, 20th C.) "Year of the Snake" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 34c Year of the Snake Stamp issued January 20, 2001. The Chinese calendar, or Sheng Xiao, is a combination of symbolism and mathematical complexities. The Sheng Xiao possibly originated during the reign of Emperor Huang in 2637 B.C. Inscriptions of this system on animal bones have been excavated at the Yin Ruins of Anyang, Henan. Twelve animals are associated with the calendar -- the rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. The Sheng Xiao consists of repeating cycles, with 2001 being the Year of the Snake. Those born in a given year are said to share that animal's character traits. Thus, people born during the Year of the Snake are kind, courageous and goal-oriented. Twelve animals came to send Buddha off to heaven and Buddha assigned them their places in the calendar according to the order of their arrival. The rat showed up first and the boar last. In ancient times, the Sheng Mao played a great role in people's lives by providing guidance in decisions regarding marriage and childbirth. Even today, the horoscope remains an integral part of everyday life for many people in China and elsewhere around the world. The Chinese year begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice, sometime between January 21 and February 20. The Chinese New Year can fall on any of 31 days. New Year's Day is a time of great celebration and is the most important day in the Chinese canlendar. Famous persons born under this sign include Abraham Lincoln, Pablo Picasso and John F. Kennedy. Image Size: 12 x 9.5 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 11 in. Unframed. (B16891)