The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

Zodiac History

Legends and mythology are a big part of Chinese culture, especially in relation to the Chinese

Zodiac.

Zodiac Calendar Most Chinese Zodiac Calendar discussions focus

only on the 12 animals. According to legend, these were the animals that appeared before Buddha (or the Jade Emperor, depending on the story) in response to an invitation. The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac represent the order of each animals arrival. The legends depicting each animals journey differ slightly, but the order that prevails is as follows: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Zodiac Calendar Wood Pig Jan 31, 1995 Feb 18, 1996

Fire Rat Feb 19, 1996 Feb 6, 1997

Fire Ox Feb 7, 1997 Jan 27, 1998

Earth Tiger Jan 28, 1998 Feb 15, 1999

Earth Rabbit Feb 16, 1999 Feb 4, 2000

Metal Dragon Feb 5, 2000 Jan 23, 2001

Metal Snake Jan 24, 2001 Feb 11, 2002

Water Horse Feb 12, 2002 Jan 31, 2003

Water Goat Feb 1, 2003 Jan 21, 2004

Wood Monkey Jan 22, 2004 Feb 8, 2005

Wood Rooster Feb 9, 2005 Jan 28, 2006

Fire Dog Jan 29, 2006 Feb 17, 2007

Fire Pig Feb 18, 2007 Feb 6, 2008

Earth Rat Feb 7, 2008 Jan 25, 2009

Earth Ox Jan 26, 2009 Feb 13, 2010

Metal Tiger Feb 14, 2010 Feb 2, 2011

Metal Rabbit Feb 3, 2011 Jan 22, 2012

Water Snake Feb 10, 2013 Jan 30, 2014

Zodiac Animals

Most stories do seem to agree on one thing: the animals that make up the signs, or the 12

equal parts of the Chinese Zodiac, were the animals that appeared in response to an

invitation. As a reward for appearing, these 12 animals were included on the Chinese Zodiac.

The Rat Occupying the 1st and most prominent position

on the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat symbolizes such character traits as wit, imagination and

curiosity. Rats have keen observation skills and with those skills theyre able to deduce much

about other people and other situations. Overall, Rats are full of energy, talkative and

charming but they have a tendency to become aggressive.

The Ox Occupying the 2nd position on the Chinese Zodiac, Oxen possess such character traits as dependability, strength and determination.

Oxen are tolerant individuals who believe that the road to success involves hard work and scrupulous behavior; they dont believe in

taking shortcuts. They characterize those who dont work hard as lazy individuals not worthy

of respect.

The Tiger Occupying the 3rd position on the Chinese Zodiac,

the Tiger symbolizes such character traits as bravery, competitiveness and unpredictability.

Tigers love to be challenged and will accept any challenge if it means protecting a loved one or protecting their honor. They dont worry about the outcome because they know theyll always

land on their feet. Dont let their calm appearance fool you though; Tigers will pounce

when they feel its necessary.

The Rabbit Occupying the 4th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit symbolizes such character

traits as creativity, compassion, and sensitivity. Rabbits are friendly, outgoing and prefer the company of others. They also prefer to avoid conflict. In confrontational situations, Rabbits approach calmly and with consideration for the other party. Rabbits believe strongly in

friends and family and lacking such bonds can lead to emotional issues.

The Dragon Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac,

the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and

ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually

successful. Theyre driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. Theyre passionate in all

they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can

leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled.

The Snake Occupying the 6th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Snake symbolizes such character

traits as intelligence, gracefulness and materialism. When it comes to decision-

making, Snakes are extremely analytical and as a result, they dont jump into situations. They are effective at getting the things they want, even if it means they have to scheme

and plot along the way.

The Horse Occupying the 7th position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Horse symbolizes such character traits as strength, energy, and an outgoing nature. Extremely animated, Horses thrive

when theyre the center of attention. Always in search of a good time, Horses keep the

crowds happy with their humor and their wit.

The Goat (Ram) Occupying the 8th position in the Chinese Zodiac,

the Goat (or Sheep) symbolizes such character traits as creativity, intelligence, dependability, and calmness. Comfortable being alone to ponder the workings of their inner minds, Goats enjoy being

part of a group, but prefer the sidelines rather than the center. Their nurturing personality

makes Goats excellent care-givers. Theyre quite and reserved because they spend much time

absorbed in their thoughts.

The Monkey Occupying the 9th position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Monkey possesses such character

traits as curiosity, mischievousness, and cleverness. Forever playful, Monkeys are the masters of practical jokes. Even though their

intentions are always good, this desire to be a prankster has a tendency to create ill will and

hurt feelings.

The Rooster Occupying the 10th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rooster symbolizes such character

traits as confidence, pompousness and motivation. Those born under the Chinese

Zodiac sign of the Rooster are loyal, trustworthy individuals who are blunt when it

comes to offering their opinions. Their bluntness stems not from being mean but from being honest; a trait which Roosters

expect from others.

The Dog Occupying the 11th position in the Chinese

Zodiac, the Dog symbolizes character traits such as loyalty, compatibility and kindness. Dogs frequently offer kind words and useful

advice, always listening and lending a shoulder when necessary. Dogs often become deeply involved in others lives and are sometimes

perceived as nosy. Ensuring others are happy is more important to the Dog than wealth,

money or success.

The Pig Occupying the last position in the Chinese

Zodiac, the 12th, the Pig symbolizes such character traits as diligence, compassion, and generosity. Pigs enjoy life and because they

are entertaining, others enjoy their company. Pigs are giving souls and reap much

enjoyment when theyre helping others, but sometimes they give too much. Honesty is what Pigs give and its what they expect to

receive in return.

Zodiac Elements Much of Chinese philosophy is built around the

belief in the five elements and their abilities to interact with and create relationships between

natural phenomena. The five elements have been part of Chinese culture almost from the beginning. Interestingly, few people outside

the Asian world understand the importance of the five elements, especially how each relates

to the workings of the Chinese Zodiac.

The five elements of wood, fire, Earth, metal and water are associated with five major planets in the Solar System: Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus and Mercury respectively.

Zodiac Elements

The five elements are naturally-occurring phenomena and theyre believed to have both a generating and an overcoming influence on

one another.

Zodiac Elements

For example, wood generates fire, water generates wood, water overcomes fire, fire

overcomes metal, etc.

Zodiac Elements

Works Cited "Chinese Zodiac Calendar." Chinese Zodiac - Chinese Astrology from ChineseZodiac.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013.