Tigers of this particular Chinese Year are out in the open and not in the Woods. Watch out for felines that furrow in the Snow, says Gamal Nkrumah with a wink "Given the global financial crisis, the general feeling of anxiety and uncertainty, it is not surprising that many people are turning to the Chinese Zodiac calendar for guidance and solace," Singaporean Ambassador to Egypt Tan Hung Seng, himself of Chinese extraction, told Al-Ahram Weekly. He explained that according to Chinese tradition this year is the year of the Golden Tiger. Note, however, that some Chinese horoscope experts refer to the Golden Tiger as the White or Snow Tiger, represented as a White Siberian Tiger in metallic armour. Metal, and gold, relate to money. And, this year money matters take precedence over all other considerations. After all, the Chinese character for "King" is "Wang" which also signifies "Tiger". The Golden Tigers possess extremely expressive features and myriad moods play fleetingly across their faces in the course of conversation. The tiger is considered a powerful, charismatic and charming animal in Chinese mythology. Yes, tigers can be ferocious creatures, but they are also capable of demonstrating romantic commitment, playfulness, and passion. The Golden Tiger, in particular, is the symbol of fortune and fun. This, therefore, is destined to be a great year for gaiety, merriment and amusement. And, most Golden Tigers have the uncanny ability to squat imperially on a glittering throne, shrewdly delegating unpleasant chores to underlings. Nuri Al-Maliki is a case in point. The Father of Esraa, as he is fondly called in Iraq, is a typical Golden Tiger. He prefers to be leaned on rather than to lean on others. Responsibility towards the underdog is characteristic of Golden Tiger leaders. Small wonder then, that he was chosen to lead and represent the Shia of Iraq who had long suffered under the repression of Iraq's late strongman Saddam Hussein. Al-Maliki became deputy leader of the Supreme National De-Baathification Commission of the Iraq Interim Government. He has enough ego to prop up his subjects and provide encouragement, fortitude and sustenance to the needy. Contrary to what his detractors believe, Al-Maliki is no Shia bigot. Hillary Clinton called for Al-Maliki to be removed from office in 2007, urging the Iraqi parliament to select a "less decisive and more unifying figure" than Al-Maliki. Clinton, a Fire Pig, celebrates her birthday on 26 October, and hence she is a Scorpio to boot. She, therefore, has a tendency to speak before thinking carefully about the implications of her comments. Golden Tigers, too, share this character trait with Fire Pigs, except that Golden Tigers rarely get themselves landed in trouble like the more gullible Fire Pigs. Indeed, Al-Maliki tartly retorted that Clinton and her ilk should "come to their senses" and "respect democracy". Unlike the sceptical Swine, Golden Tigers are believers in just causes. Al-Maliki, secretary- general of the Islamic Daawa Party, was sworn in on 20 May 2006 amid much trepidation about the political future of his war-torn country. Many dismiss him as an American lackey, but he is far from compliant. A Golden Tiger is never a "Yes Man". No matter how many compliments you shower him with, he is always hungry for more. Turkish President Abdullah Gul 29 October, a Scorpio, is a typical Metal, or Golden Tiger. He was the first Turkish leader to visit Armenia. His wife Hayrunnisa wears a headscarf as a symbol of political Islam. Again, he is a strong believer in his cause, especially when it concerns his faith. Gul's bid for presidency was blocked by the Turkish Constitutional Court and yet he persevered which is a trait of the tenacious Metal Tiger. He held the prime and foreign minister portfolios before assuming the office of Turkish president. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, born 26 February 1954, is a Piscean and a Chinese Horse is a perfect working partner to Gul, the Golden Tiger. Their Justice and Development Party is destined to prosper under the leadership of Erdogan and Gul. They compliment each other perfectly. Golden Tigers cannot stomach competition but since they are both outspoken and possess strong personalities, they respect each other. Gul has long claws and a great many razor-sharp teeth, typical of the Golden Tiger. The warm, golden rays of his sorcery deepen to brilliant vermilion in the sunset glow, and that is how most Golden Tigers end their careers. So what about the women? They roar and rage but are incurable romantics. "Those were the days my friend, we thought they'll never end," Mary Hopkins, a quintessential Golden Tiger famously crooned. Another Tiger, even though she is not a golden one, is the veteran Egyptian actress Nadia Lutfi, born 1938. She is an Earth Tiger and is born on 3 January which makes her a Sea Goat, or Capricorn woman. The combination accounts for her formidable seductiveness. Yet, as an Earth Tiger and a Capricorn, she is particularly level headed. Fame and fortune never get to her head. She wouldn't believe in leprechauns even if one sat right on the tip of her nose. She is practical and prefers to count on fact and figures rather than dreams and illusions. However, she can play the femme fatale as Nadia Lutfi famously did in the timeless box office hit Abi Foq Al-Shagara (My Father is Atop a Tree). And, then there was the 1963 bombshell, Al-Nadhara Al-Sawdaa (The Black Shades). The Earth Tiger, with an eye for pedigree and perfection, is firmly grounded professional and a dependable and unfailing partner in business and pleasure. The Horsey Princess Royal Anne, born 15 August, and hence a Leo as well as a Golden Tiger, is candid and unpretentious. "When I appear in public, people expect me to neigh, grind my teeth, paw the ground and swish my tail," the Horsey Princess Anne once remarked. The grinding of teeth and pawing the ground could apply equally to a Golden Tiger as to a horse. So how do other Chinese signs fare in this year of the Golden Tiger? The man-as-animal symbolism is understandably prophetic to those who put their faith in the Chinese horoscope. However, note that not all that glitters is gold. This Chinese Year promises good fortune not only for Golden Tigers, but also most other Chinese lunar year signs as well. Even so, among some Chinese, there is a tradition that White Tigers invite bad luck on others. Some Chinese families go as far as barring people, even close relatives, born in the year of the Tiger to attend private wedding celebrations in fear of ill-luck striking the bride and especially the groom -- since Tiger is a female sign (Yin), as opposed to the male (Yang). Rats will do well, as long as they keep away from Tigers. The unfortunate Ox will not prosper in the Year of the Golden Tiger, except if it is a Metal Ox, their armour might provide some protection from the Tiger. The poor Rabbit better hide and keep a low profile. The Dragon has nothing to fear, especially if he or she is Fire. The Serpent, however, must hide in the woods or burrow deep in some hole. The Horse, too, has reason to be apprehensive -- except again the Knight in Shining Armour, the Centaurs that can stand up to the Metal Tiger. This Armageddon scene can be the proverbial clash of the Titans. Lucky Monkeys are safe, for they climb high in the forest's towering trees. The Roosters, too, can take flight. Dogs can bark as loud as they can, but the Tigers are unperturbed by lesser creatures. Last, but not least, Boars -- poor pigs -- better flee from the ferocious Tiger's sight, or they'll fall prey to the King of the Siberian Tundra.
