Alice Murakami has created drawings based on the Japanese zodiac (the year of the Rabbit is 2011, for example) but some are symbolic of greetings of the season. There are even some of her sketches included. The original cards were made from blockprints or silkscreens printed by hand and sent to her friends and relatives as Christmas cards. The system of Zodiac signs is used to determine an individuals characteristics and their future. The Japanese zodiac is believed to originate from the Buddha legend and is acknowledged by the Orient as well as the Occident. Due to the ascendancy of the Buddhist heritage, there are twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac calendar. These animals are linked with patron celestial beings and additionally called Juuni Shi. The Japanese zodiac calendar is readily used in the Japanese culture. The zodiac system is derived from 6th and 8th century philosophies. There are twelve zodiac animals and their associated personalities.
