In China, the beginning of every year falls between late January and
early February, and is marked by an animal sign of the Chinese zodiac
that is repeated every twelve years. Each year is given a different
animal sign as a way of counting the years. The years are scheduled
according to the lunar cycles of the moon as compared to the solar-based
calendars of the West. Since 1911, the Chinese have adopted the solar
calendar and use it alongside the lunar calendar for holidays. Many
Chinese calendars have both solar and lunar dates printed on them.
Zodiac Origins
The animals used in the zodiac, and how they came to represent it, are a
wonderful Chinese legend with many variations. The most common version
being the legend of the Jade Emperor and how he wanted to hold a race
across a river to give twelve animals the right to rule for a year. All
animals were given a chance to swim, and the first twelve to reach the
opposite bank would win the positions in which they arrived.
Cat and Rat were the worst swimmers of all the animals, so they designed
a plan to ask if they could cross the river on the back of Bull. Bull,
being a kind and gentle creature, agreed to carry them. As the group
reached the center of the rushing river, the ambitious Rat pushed Cat
off Bull's back and into the water to ensure his victory. Rat's betrayal
is why Cat and Rat have evermore been sworn enemies and why, to this
day, cats despise swimming in water.
As Bull reached the riverbank, Rat darted atop Bull's head and sprang to
the ground to reach the shore first and became the first zodiac animal.
Bull was content to be given the second year. The third animal to
successfully cross the river was Tiger, who was known to be the most
powerful of all the animals. Exhausted, Tiger explained that the heavy
currents of the river, coupled with an entangled log, had pushed Tiger
further downstream, delaying the animal's arrival.
After Tiger was proclaimed the third animal of the zodiac, the Jade
Emperor heard a thumping sound just as Rabbit bounded into view. As the
fourth animal, he explained his attempts at trying to cross the river by
jumping from stone to stone. The stones eventually came to an end,
leaving Rabbit stranded in the middle of the waters and, fearing he
could lose the race, thought quickly and hopped onto a floating log to
reach the shore.
The fifth animal to reach the shore was Dragon. Dragon was as strong as
Tiger, and even though he could fly, Dragon didn't come in first. When
the Jade Emperor asked why, Dragon said that it was because he took time
to stop and help the people and creatures of the earth who were
suffering famine by causing rain. Then, seeing little Rabbit stranded on
a rock, Dragon guided the log that was entangling Tiger away to instead
help Rabbit float across the river.
Dragon had just finished this tale when a thunderous splashing was heard
and Horse reared towards the shore but the cunning Snake, having wrapped
around the ankle of Horse, suddenly dropped onto the bank just ahead of
Horse. This sudden appearance spooked the poor Horse backwards, giving
Snake the sixth position, followed by Horse in seventh.
Next to arrive were Ram, Monkey and Rooster who skidded to a stop on the
shore riding a tangled reed raft. They told the Jade Emperor how they
formed an alliance to help each other cross the river beginning with
Rooster whwho had flown around until a suitable raft was spotted and
then took Monkey and Ram to where it was. Then Ram and Monkey cleared
the weeds and they all glided upon it across the water to the shore.
Delighted with their mutual efforts, the Jade Emperor gave Ram the
eighth zodiac position, Monkey the ninth and Rooster the tenth.
Dog, known to be the best swimmer, was next to reach the shore and
explained that upon seeing his dirt-smudged coat paired with the
tempting clean river waters, he decided to stop and bathe, but Dog
tarried for too long and almost didn't finish the race. Finally, Pig
emerged squealing and sputtering from the waters as the last and twelfth
zodiac animal. Pig's reason for a late arrival was being "so ravenous
with the exertion of finding a good crossing spot that a meal was
needed," so he sniffed out a bountiful feast of grubs, berries and
roots, followed by a short nap.
Which Zodiac Animal Are You?
Find your year of birth below and see which zodiac animal it represents.
Also, discover the animal character traits and strengths that you share
with those born in the same year, beginning between late January and
early February.
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Rat
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Bull (Ox)
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Tiger
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Rabbit
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Dragon
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Snake
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Horse
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Ram (Sheep/Goat)
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Monkey
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Rooster
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Dog
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Pig
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