
The ranking story above is made up according to people's understanding of characteristics of the 12 animals. Effects of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs People's Personal Traits Cat didn't wake up until the race was over and it was too late - he was not able to make it into the cycle.Īfter the party, a great enmity grew between Cat and Rat, so that rats scatter in all directions when a cat appears.Īn alternative version of the story says that Cat and Rat got as far as crossing the river together on Ox's head, but Rat pushed Cat into the water (and Cat was washed away and drowned or didn't get back to the Heavenly Gate in time to get a ranking). On the morning, however, Rat left quietly without informing Cat. The sleepyhead Cat kicked open Rat's door, ordering Rat to keep him informed of when he was going to the Emperor's birthday party, and Rat readily promised that he would. Upon hearing the Emperor's decree Rat chuckled to himself and thought: "This is an opportunity". See 12 Chinese Zodiac Sign SymbolismĪlthough Cat and Rat were neighbors, the former always bullied the latter, and Rat felt very angry but dared not say it out loud therefore, he sought revenge on Cat. These 12 animals became guards of the Heavenly Gate. But he jumped between trees and stones, and caught up to be ninth.

The Jade Emperor saw how polite they were and ranked them seventh and eighth. They were very kind and modest and each let the other go first. Just then, Snake came forward and said Dragon was his adoptive father so Snake ranked sixth. But Dragon's son didn't come with him that day. Good-looking Dragon was fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who said Dragon's son could be sixth. However, with their determination and perseverance, Dragons can overcome most obstacles and achieve their goals. They can sometimes struggle with their emotions and may find it challenging to work with others who do not share their vision or passion. They are also said to be charismatic, imaginative, and have a strong sense of justice and fairness.ĭespite their many positive traits, Dragons can also be impulsive, stubborn, and prone to anger. People born in the year of the Dragon are believed to possess some of these characteristics and are often successful in their careers and personal lives. Dragons are the fifth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac and are associated with the Fire element, which is believed to symbolize energy, creativity, and transformation.ĭragons are highly respected and revered in Chinese culture and are often associated with the emperor, power, and authority. They are also known to be passionate, strong-willed, and have excellent leadership qualities.

People born in the year of the Dragon are often seen as confident, ambitious, and adventurous. It is an essential part of Chinese culture and serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting generations and promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Today, the Chinese zodiac is widely recognized and celebrated worldwide, and many people follow its predictions and customs. The zodiac signs are also associated with the five elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, which further add to the complexity of the system. It dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) and has been used in China for thousands of years as a tool for fortune-telling, matchmaking, and personal and social guidance. The Chinese zodiac is based on a combination of astronomy, astrology, and mythology. Each animal has its unique characteristics, symbolism, and cultural significance, which have been passed down through generations. The 12 animals in the zodiac cycle are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal sign is believed to represent different personality traits, fortunes, and prospects for the people born in that year. The animals were separated into two categories - yin and yang - depending on whether they have an odd or even number of claws, toes or hooves.The Chinese zodiac is a system that assigns an animal to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. The choice of animals is significant - the ox, horse, goat, rooster, pig and dog are six of the main domestic animals raised by Chinese people, while the rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake and monkey are all loved by the Chinese. How are the Chinese New Year animals decided?

If you're feeling confused, calculate your zodiac sign here.

However, Chinese New Year is a movable celebration, dictated by the lunar cycle, which can fall any time between January 21 and February 20. The animal changes at the beginning of the Chinese New Year, and traditionally these animals were used to date the years.
