Zou Jianjun (Chinese, B. 1943) "Year of the Rooster" Stamped in the upper left and lower right corner, signed verso. Original Watercolor on Rice paper painting taped to wood. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood Combination First Day of Issue Proofcard for the U.S./China Year of the Rooster stamps issued December 30, 1992. In the United States, one of the most festive occasions of the year lasts for two days. Riding in on the coattails of Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are the "grand finales" of the holiday season. On December 31, the new year is typically ushered in by a gala celebration. At the stroke of midnight, the past year is bid a fond farewell amidst joyful cries, the blare of noisemakers and a warm embrace. Many revelers can be found on crowded dance floors awash with a myriad of colorful balloons and confetti. Traditionally, strains of Auld Lang Syne, made popular by Guy Lombardo, fill the airwaves. In contrast to New Year's Eve festivities, New Year's Day activities are customarily more sedate. One of the most popular pastimes is viewing a "Bowl Game." Championship football is played by college teams across the nation, and elaborate parades "kick off" the start of every match. New Year's Day is also a time for both young and old to reflect on the past and ponder the future. Earnest resolutions are made and broken only to be revived the following year! Like Westerners, the Chinese also welcome the new year with joyful celebrations. But unlike Westerners, they follow a lunar calendar aligned in repeating 12-year cycles, with each year represented by one of 12 animals. It is believed those born during 1993 -- the Year of the Rooster -- will be stubborn, logical and highly successful. Image Size: 11.75 x 10.25 in. Overall Size: 15.5 x 12.75 in. Unframed. (B14067)