What is Chinese Zodiac? – 12 Zodiac Animal Signs

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2021 is the Year of the Ox according to Chinese zodiac.

This is a Year of Metal Ox, starting from the 2021 Chinese New Year on Feb. 12 and lasting to 2022 Lunar New Year’s Eve on Jan. 31. 2022 is the Year of the Tiger.

What is the Chinese Zodiac?

The Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang, features 12 animal signs in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

Originated from ancient zoolatry and boasting a history of more than 2,000 years, it plays an essential role in Chinese culture.

The 12 Chinese zodiac animals in a cycle are not only used to represent years in China, but are also believed to influence people’s personalities, careers, compatibility, marriage, and fortune.

What’s your zodiac animal? – 12 Zodiac Animal Signs

People’s birth years determine their Chinese zodiac signs.

However, things are not that easy!

There is an animal representing each year, but the “year” is defined by the Chinese lunar calendar, not the Gregorian year you are familiar with from Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st.

The dates of the Chinese Lunar New Year vary every year but will fall on a day in January or February.

If you were born on a day from March to December, it won’t be difficult to figure out your zodiac animal sign, but for people with birthdays in January or February, there are bigger chances of mistaking their signs.

The 12 zodiac animals are shown below in order, with recent years for you to directly find out your own birth year and animal sign.

Origin of Chinese Zodiac

The records from the excavated ancient bamboo books have proved the existence of the Chinese zodiac before the Qin Dynasty (221 – 207BC), and the complete 12 animals’ cycles had been set before or during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 – 220AD).

What’s the origin of this mysterious theory with more than 2,000 years’ history?

There is actually no conclusion, but the various guesses and legends make it more intriguing.

Some people believe that the 12 Chinese zodiac animals are simplified from the 28 animals which represent 28 constellations in ancient Chinese astronomy, while some insist the zodiac’s relationship with Jupiter’s revolution period is just about 12 years.

The most popular is the totem saying of the origin related to animal worship.

There is an interesting legend about the origin of the Chinese zodiac.

The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his palace guards.

He preferred the Ox to be the first for its honesty and diligence, but out of everyone’s expectation, the smart Rat covertly hid on the Ox’s back and occupied the first place at the essential moment.

The Tiger was crowned as the King of the Forest while the Dragon was titled the Lord of the Sea, and they ranked behind the Ox.

The Rabbit won a race with the Dragon and gained No. 4.

The Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, and Rooster followed.

The Dog was punished to be the last one for biting the Rabbit as a pet.

Actually, the Dog was the 11th, because there is one being late for the interview – the Pig finally took the last place.

The science behind the Chinese Zodiac

How do zodiac animals affect people’s personalities and lives?
The date and time of one’s birth are the keys.

This is the same in both western and Chinese horoscopes.

The difference lies in the ways of marking the time of birth.

The Chinese lunar calendar is based on the combination of 10 Heavenly Stems (Tian Gan) and 12 Earthly Branches (Di Zhi), two basic groups of terms of ancient Chinese astronomy and astrology, which work together in a fixed order to mark years, months, days, and hours.

Hereunder are some interesting technical terms.

1. 12 Earthly Branches: 12 terms in one-to-one correspondence with 12 zodiac animals – Zi (Rat), Chou (Ox), Yin (Tiger), Mao (Rabbit), Chen (Dragon), Si (Snake), Wu (Horse), Wei (Sheep), Shen (Monkey), You (Rooster), Xu (Dog) and Hai (Pig).

2. 10 Heavenly Stems: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui.

The 10 Heavenly Stems match the 12 Earthly Branches in a 60-pair cycle to mark years, months, and days, eg.

July 1st 2020 in the Gregorian calendar is the Yi Si Day of Ren Wu Month in Gen Zi Year of the Rat.

3.

Yin Yang: Yin means feminine and negative, while Yang means masculine and positive.

They are profound terms in ancient Chinese philosophy.

Their simple connection with zodiac animals is: Yang applies to Rat, Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Monkey, and Dog, while Yin goes to Ox, Rabbit, Snake, Sheep, Rooster, and Pig.

4.

Five Elements: Ancient Chinese believed that all things in the world, including the zodiac animals, belonged to five categories – Metal (Monkey, Rooster), Wood (Tiger, Rabbit), Water (Rat, Pig), Fire (Snake, Horse), and Earth (Ox, Dragon, Sheep, Dog).

5. 12 Shi Chen: 12 two-hour periods form a day, with each called a Shi Chen and marked by one of the 12 Earthly Branches and its corresponding zodiac animal, eg. 23:00 – 00:59 is called Zi Hour and represented by the Rat.

The 12 animals connect to people’s birth dates and times, with interactions from the above five perspectives, affecting people’s personalities, compatibilities, and fortune in the future.

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility: Who’s Your Mr./Ms. Right?

The compatibilities of the zodiac animals are mainly based on the Five Elements they belong to – Metal (Monkey, Rooster), Wood (Tiger, Rabbit), Water (Rat, Pig), Fire (Snake, Horse), and Earth (Ox, Dragon, Sheep, Dog).

The traditional Chinese astrology indicates that the Five Elements are in a balanced generating cycle: Fire burns things to ash and Earth; Earth bears Metal inside; Metal turns into liquid (Water) in high temperature; Water nourishes Wood; Wood feeds Fire.

Therefore some zodiac animals with agreeable elements can perfectly support and promote each other when they stay together, while some would stay in peace and tacit agreement; however some restrict or even harm each other when they meet.

See the illustrations below, or use our testing tool to check the compatibility for you and your partner!
 

Top 3 Matches

• Rat + Ox95%

  • Perfect match!

  • mutual loyalty & intimacy

  • peaceful & harmonious marriage life

• Rabbit + Sheep90%

  • talents in common

  • sympathetic opinions on art

  • perfect especially for male Rabbit & female Sheep

• Snake + Rooster90%

  • mutual appreciation

  • happy marriage

  • the natural agreement, with less conflict

Outline of 12 Zodiac Animals: Personality, Compatibility, Fortune-Telling

The 12 animals have their own natural features and living habits, which directly reflect in the behaviors of people born in different years.

The Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, Yin Yang, and Five Elements stated above also influence one’s character and destiny.

Though in the same zodiac sign, the different blood types and Western astrology signs count for people’s different trials in life.

Rat – 鼠 (shǔ)

Where there are people, there are rats.

The rats have strong adaptability and survival ability.

For people born in the Year of the Rat, they are vigorous and able to adapt themselves to different circumstances.

Being smart and hardworking, they set clear goals in career and life, and have an indomitable will to realize them step by step.

The cautious Rat people pay attention to thrift and savings.

They generally live a stable and well-off life, and even better after middle age.

They are wonderful friends and partners, for the cheerful and easygoing personalities make them good at livening the vibe in parties or other social places.

Sometimes impulsive, but their good self-control ability always pulls them back in time.
Strengths: adaptable, quick-witted, optimistic, considerate, versatile, outgoing
Weaknesses: timid, stubborn, picky, lack of persistence, self-centered

Love and Marriage Compatibility of Rats:
Best Matches: Ox, Dragon, Monkey
Complementary Pairs: Rabbit, Dog, Pig
Bad Matches: Horse, Rooster

Career:
The best jobs for Rat people include artist, author, doctor, teacher, lecturer, boat engineer, architect, fashion designer, and photographer.

The skilled or creative occupations are suitable for them, and they can perform well in service industry, charity, and finance field.

Rats’ Fortune in 2020:
In 2020, people born in the Year of the Rat have pretty good fortune in wealth and career.

Their salary may increase and they might get promoted and pass their qualification exams and get the certificates.

In the aspect of health, they might be bothered by some respiratory system disease and heart problem.

As for love and relationship, the single Rats will start a relationship if they try hard to chase someone or seek help from the elders.

They are advised not to drink too much and go to entertainments places.

Ox – 牛 (niú)

In agricultural society, the mild and tough ox is human’s best assistant.

People born in the Year of the Ox are also diligent and persistent.

They tend to be slow in action after a long and deliberate preparation, but once the plan is set, they will overcome all difficulties to finish the task.

Their amazing endurance in work and strong sense of obligation compel them to break through and stick it out, making them highly praised by colleagues and the boss.

This is the base for them being late bloomers, with successful career and abundant wealth in old age.

The relationship with the Ox people is generally pleasant but may lack romance, for they are some stubborn and not good at communication and expressing emotions.
Strengths: prudent, calm, strong-willed, persistent, industrious, honest
Weaknesses: stubborn, overcautious, insociable, clumsy of speech

Love and Marriage Compatability of Oxen:
Best Matches: Rat, Snake, Rooster
Complementary Pairs: Rabbit, Dog
Bad Matches: Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Sheep

Career:
The best jobs for Ox people include lawyer, doctor, teacher, writer, government officer, policeman, technician, politician, and office clerk.

They are good at stable jobs requiring specific expertise, especially those related to building materials field.

Oxen’s Fortune in 2020:
People born in the Year of the Ox have pretty good fortune in wealth in 2020.

They may earn a lot of money from work and investment.

They will see a smooth development in career and have timely help and support from others.

In romantic relationship, they will possibly meet the one they love on some social occasions and start a relationship.

For health, Ox people need to pay more attention to balanced diet to keep fit.

For students with Ox sign, they have good luck in study and tests.

Tiger – 虎 (hǔ)

The tiger, being wild, bold and powerful, is the King of the Forest.

People born in the Year of the Tiger are also endowed with natural leadership and dominant temperament.

High self-esteem makes them independent and asocial.

They like high positions with authority and the right of control.

They are rule makers and would like to be the patron saint for common people.

Being active and ambitious, Tiger people are tenacious in achieving their career goals.

Sometimes they fail due to rash decisions, but facing difficulties, they will never give up.

They are faithful to friends and have a strong sense of justice, but sometimes impatient and like to straightforwardly argue with others.
Strengths: confident, courageous, steadfast, loyal, upright, trustworthy
Weaknesses: arrogant, bossy, short-tempered, imprudent

Love and Marriage Compatability of Tigers:
Best Matches: Dragon, Horse, Pig
Complementary Pairs: Rooster, Dog
Bad Matches: Ox, Tiger, Snake, Monkey

Career:
Economist, politician, adventurer, and management officer are best jobs for Tiger people.

They are suitable to work for public service or in the catering industry, outdoor sports facilities field, or culture field.

Tigers’ Fortune in 2020:
In 2020, people with Tiger sign will get good opportunities in career that they may have a promotion or finish their tasks successfully.

They will probably get help from their mothers’ side.

The single Tiger people have chances to meet their right ones, while the married need to be loyal and more understanding to maintain the stable relationship.

In 2020, remember to keep valuable or important things well at home to avoid being stolen.

For kids, they should better keep away from cats and dogs.

Rabbit – 兔 (tù)

Docile, tender and quiet, the rabbit is no doubt a lovely animal.

People born in the Year of the Rabbit have favorable personalities.

They are smart moderators in a family to drive up the happy atmosphere.

Not only filial to the elders, they are also model parents, strict but gentle and patient, giving proper education for their kids.

Rabbit people are loyal and dedicated to their lovers, while for friends, they are kind-hearted, polite, and honest.

They have a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism in work.

There won’t be big ups and downs in the whole life of the Rabbit people.

They progress in a steady pace, and can reach the career peak during their middle age.
Strengths: gentle, considerate, cautious, friendly, virtuous, compassionate
Weaknesses: irresolute, stubborn, timid, conservative, escapist

Love and Marriage Compatability of Rabbits:
Best Matches: Sheep, Monkey, Dog, Pig
Complementary Pairs: Rat, Ox
Bad Matches: Snake, Rooster

Career:
The ideal jobs for Rabbit people include farmer, breeder, teacher, priest, pharmacist, policeman, and judge.

The occupations requiring sharp sense of art and carefulness are suitable for them.

They could run a dessert shop, work in breeding or pet industry, or in a planning and design company.

Rabbits’ Fortune in 2020:
The 2020 fortune of people born in the Rabbit years is not so satisfactory, but not that bad.

They may have a promotion in career with some small achievements, especially in unpopular industries.

They would have a good luck in love, attracting attentions of opposite sex.

Rabbit people should pay more attention to the feelings of their partners.

In 2020, it is better not get near water, and take good care of themselves to prevent diseases of liver and gall.

Dragon – 龙 (lóng)

The dragon, a mythical creature in Chinese culture, is considered imperial, lucky, and almighty.

People born in the Year of the Dragon are ambitious dreamers, seeking for adventures and romances all their life.

They are super energetic and have strong fortune, especially before middle age.

They have childish enthusiasm for their dreams and aims, brave enough, but when coming up with a setback, they are easy to turn to the opposite extreme, discouraged and never rise again.

Strong, aggressive, and with fatal charm, they like to be the focus in social occasions.

However, Dragon people are a bit unapproachable for they are short-tempered and always strict and even picky to others.
Strengths: energetic, confident, ambitious, frank, romantic, intelligent, generous
Weaknesses: unstable, unrealistic, self-conceited, intolerant, lack of persistence

Love and Marriage Compatability of Dragons:
Best Matches: Rooster, Rat, Monkey
Complementary Pairs: Tiger, Snake
Bad Matches: Ox, Sheep, Dog

Career:
The language talent makes some of them nice writers or teachers, while the sense of business and money makes some good cashiers or financiers.

Other suitable jobs for them include quality inspector, pharmacist, electrician, politician, and priest.

Dragons’ Fortune in 2020:
The overall fortune of 2020 for people with Dragon sign is optimistic.

Their work performance, although with ups and downs, is still on the rise in general, while the amount of wealth is also rising along with the career development.

Marketing scheming activities can bring them the most financial benefits.

This year they are likely to come across an approachable and intelligent partner.

Developing a good diet habit can keep them away from gastrointestinal problems; watch out for unexpected injuries.

Snake – 蛇 (shé)

In most people’s impression, the snake is sly and dreadful; however in Chinese culture, the snake is also known as little dragon, so it contains a warm heart despite of its cold appearance.

People born in the Year of the Snake are calm and indifferent to strangers, but passionate and lively when with long-time friends.

Snake people are idealists.

They have strong will and clear plans to reach their goals, but laziness is their only opponent.

With good luck in wealth all their lifetime, they like to buy luxuries and spend much on dressing.

Decent appearance makes them attractive, but they tend to be reluctant to start a relationship due to their suspicious mind.
Strengths: sociable, graceful, eloquent, humorous, wise, perceptive, determined
Weaknesses: unapproachable, jealous, suspicious, sly, inconstant

Love and Marriage Compatability of Snakes:
Best Matches: Dragon, Rooster
Complementary Pairs: Ox
Bad Matches: Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Sheep, Pig

Career:
Snake people could be good artists, singers, politicians, teachers, painters, designers, or psychologists.

They are good at performing arts and entertainment work.

Some of them might core an achievement in archaeological research.

Snakes’ Fortune in 2020:
In 2020, people with Snake sign will encounter some chances which can bring them a little earnings, but not too much.

In work, they will have pressure from their superiors, which will make them understand what they mean in the company and think about whether they are suitable for the job.

Money-relating issues may result in disharmony between them and their friends and relatives.

Venture investment and gamble should be avoided, otherwise, they might lose a lot of wealth.

Keeping in a good mood can help them get rid of diseases.

Horse – 马 (mǎ)

The horse is represented by the fire in Chinese culture, while in ancient Greek mythology, it is related to the sun god, all bright and fervent.

People born in the Year of the Horse, zealous and easygoing, love social activities and have natural popularity among people.

Active, cheerful and talkative, Horse people make a lot of friends.

They have strong desire for self-expression and sometimes hard to take in others’ ideas.

They are good at sports and have deft hands to learn various techniques.

Their talents and indomitable spirit enable them to make a figure and get a little accomplishment in a very young age.

The wealth fortune of the Horse people is pretty good, but they tend to enjoy luxury life without savings.
Strengths: warm-hearted, upright, easygoing, positive, patient, steady, independent
Weaknesses: extravagant, too outspoken, opinionated, inflexible

Love and Marriage Compatability of Horses:
Best Matches: Tiger, Sheep, Rabbit
Complementary Pairs: Pig
Bad Matches: Rat, Ox, Rooster, Horse

Career:
The best jobs for Horse people are adventurer, writer, architect, performer, entrepreneur, scientist, artist, politician, critic, and tour guide.

They could get achievements in art, tourist, political or commercial fields.

Charity work is also suitable for them.

Horses’ Fortune in 2020:
In 2020, people born in the Year of the Horse would have much fortune in their love relationship.

They will have a large chance to fall in love with someone.

However, in terms of career, wealth and health, Horses may face different problems.

It will be difficult for them to have outstanding performance in work this year.

Keeping the balance between income and expense is important in 2020.

They should notice health condition all the time, and enough physical exercises are recommended.

Sheep – 羊 (yáng)

Like the mild and unaggressive sheep, people born in the Year of the Sheep are gentle and submissive.

They are well dressed and gracefully behaved in public.

Being softhearted and sympathetic, they are always glad to give to charities.

With upright and warm characters, they are generous to help friends, giving both time and money, and in reward, there are always someone helping and protecting Sheep people in time.

Shy and indecisive, they need strong-willed partners in their work and life.

When in favorable circumstances, they could become brilliant artists or creative pioneers, while in adversity, they tend to be sensitive and pessimistic.

They attach importance to family and the celebration of festivals and anniversaries.
Strengths: gentle, softhearted, considerate, reliable, hardworking, thrift
Weaknesses: indecisive, timid, pessimistic, moody, weak-willed

Love and Marriage Compatability of Sheep:
Best Matches: Rabbit, Horse, Pig
Complementary Pairs: Sheep, Monkey
Bad Matches: Ox, Tiger, Dog

Career:
The suitable jobs for Sheep people include painter, musician, beautician, doctor, teacher, editor, writer, and house cleaner.

They could have excellent performance in domestic service, medical, art, education, and publishing fields.

Sheep’s Fortune in 2020:
In general, people with Sheep sign will have good fortune in the year of 2020.

In career, they will be supported by distinguished and respectable people.

They will also have luck in love and relationship.

Sheep people who are single will meet the one they love.

There is also a good chance for those who are in a stable love relationship to get married in 2020.

In daily life, Sheep people are suggested to have more physical exercises to improve the health condition.

Monkey – 猴 (hóu)

Monkeys are close relatives of human beings.

People born in the Year of the Monkey are smart, showing exceptional intelligence in school and later strong ability and enterprise in career.

They will devote themselves wholeheartedly to the work they are interested in, while indifferent to things they don’t like.

Monkey men could make a success in career, while Money women are impressive for their elegant and stylish looking.

They would have a happy marriage, and pay great attention to family, being filial to their parents, and caring but a little doting for kids.

For friends, they are sincere, frank, and always ready to help.

With curiosity and love for adventure, they seek a free and easy life with continuous new discoveries.
Strengths: intelligent, enthusiastic, self-assured, sociable, innovative, eloquent, adaptable
Weaknesses: jealous, arrogant, lack patience and perseverance, opportunistic

Love and Marriage Compatability of Monkeys:
Best Matches: Ox, Rabbit
Complementary Pairs: Rat, Dragon, Sheep, Dog
Bad Matches: Tiger, Pig

Career:
Their suitable jobs include linguist, diplomat, journalist, entertainer, businessman, athlete, stockbroker, detective, lawyer, and programmer.

The highly logical and challenging jobs are attractive for them, while fields that need eloquence are good choices.

Monkeys’ Fortune in 2020:
The overall luck in 2020 for people born in the Year of the Monkey will be pretty good.

In career, they will have golden chances to get promotions and higher salary.

It is advised to get on well with colleagues and leaders all the time.

As for wealth, they should reduce their consumption and avoid being too extravagant.

In love and relationship, single male Monkeys will attract the opposite sex on social occasions and may fall in love with someone.

Rooster – 鸡 (jī)

The rooster crows before sunrise, so ancient Chinese people thought that it had a prediction ability.

The Greek mythology also considered the rooster a creature the messenger of god knowing the future.

People born in the Year of the Rooster is endowed with such prediction ability.

They are prescient and farsighted, having clear plans.

They have promising future, but sometimes quick-tempered and set improbable goals.

With excellent social skills, they have sharp perspective into others’ minds.

Their warmness and kindness make them popular.

The Rooster people are keen on beatifying their appearance, and delicately dressed up in colors all the time.

With great interest in traveling and adventure, they are active and energetic in life, and like to make jokes.
Strengths: foresighted, ambitious, capable, quick-minded, confident, outgoing, independent
Weaknesses: selfish, narrow-minded, impatient, critical, overconfident

Love and Marriage Compatability of Roosters:
Best Matches: Ox, Snake
Complementary Pairs: Tiger, Dragon
Bad Matches: Rat, Rabbit, Horse, Rooster, Dog

Career:
Rooster people could be brilliant politicians, diplomats, or public speakers.

Some could be influential scientists.

Some perform well in clothing and cosmetics trade.

Other suitable jobs for them include designer, beautician, tour guide, and actor / actress.

Roosters’ Fortune in 2020:
The overall fortune for Rooster people would be normal in 2020.

In wealth, their income might be unstable and they might lose fortune because of some unexpected things.

In the aspect of career, they will compete with the colleagues fiercely in order to get promotion, which may cause conflicts with colleagues.

The fortune in love will be pretty good.

They can make new friends with opposite sex and start a romantic relationship.

Dog – 狗 (gǒu)

The dogs are faithful friends of humans.

People born in the Year of the Dog are also loyal and have a strong sense of justice.

They like to help and serve for others, and care less about their own interests.

They have clear minds but lack of expression ability, so sometimes they are thought to be conservative and even stubborn.

Being pure and virtuous, they are wonderful friends, but it might need a long time to become good friends of Dog people for they are cautious and introvert.

However, once the relationship is set, they are sincere and reliable.

What they need are a peaceful life and a harmonious family.
Strengths: righteous, brave, loyal, responsible, reliable, clever, quick-witted
Weaknesses: impatient, conservative, stubborn, emotional

Love and Marriage Compatability of Dogs:
Best Matches: Rabbit, Tiger
Complementary Pairs: Rat, Monkey, Pig
Bad Matches: Dragon, Sheep, Rooster

Career:
Dog people could be good lawyers, judges, organizers, teachers, doctors, civil servants, programmers, advertising planners, or bloggers.

Beside traditional industries, they are more talented in self-media field for their outstanding planning ability and creativity.

Dogs’ Fortune in 2020:
Dog people’s fortune in 2020 is just so-so.

They would have a good luck in market planning and get improvements in work.

They may get more money from financial projects, water conservancy projects, or catering projects.

However, they should catch the chances actively, otherwise there would be some troubles.

Boys will be lucky in love and relationship, but they also need to take the initiative to fight for it.

In daily life, they are suggested to have more physical exercises to keep fit.

Pig – 猪 (zhū)

Chinese people eat pork but consider pigs to be stupid.

Actually the pigs are clever, so are the people born in the Year of the Pig.

In work, they are active, careful, cool-headed, always concentrating their attention to fulfil the tasks.

They have good luck in wealth, enjoy luxury, and like to indulge in rich life with great taste.

Pig people are outgoing and warm-hearted, having a lot of friends.

Facing difficulties, there would be many friends helping them out.

Born innocent and romantic, they are easy to trust others, which makes them tend to fall into traps.

When Pig people lose their temper sometimes, delicious food is the only cure.
Strengths: warm-hearted, sincere, honest, optimistic, generous
Weaknesses: sleepy, gullible, short-tempered, jealous

Love and Marriage Compatability of Pigs:
Best Matches: Tiger, Rabbit, Sheep
Complementary Pairs: Rat, Horse, Dog
Bad Matches: Snake, Monkey

Career:
The best occupations for Pig people are veterinarian, breeder, forester, teacher, civil servant, policeman, doctor, professor, and artist.

Agriculture and animal husbandry are suitable fields for them.

Medical and art fields are also worth trying.

Pigs’ Fortune in 2020:
People with Pig sign will go through a little ups and downs in 2020.

Pressure from work makes them breathless, and they are likely to be set up by their friends or mean people around them, which is not good for maintaining virtuous relationships.

The wealth fortune won’t be very good because of the unfavorable working environment.

For love and relationship, they will become very popular with the opposite sex.

For the married, remember to handle the relationship properly to avoid marital discord.

Chinese Zodiac Culture & Folklore Chinese zodiac is actually an imaginary belief, basing on the zodiac animals’ temperament, and combining the traditional Chinese religions, philosophy, astrology, and numerology.

In ancient times, the zodiac was said not only to decide people’s destinies, but also to control a year’s harvest and even influence the fortune of the whole nation.

Nowadays, the zodiac signs still accompany Chinese people throughout their lives, affecting their personalities, ideas, behaviors, fortune, and marriage compatibilities.

When coming up with the years of the same zodiac signs of one’s birth year, called Ben Ming Nian in Chinese, one would be unlucky and should pay great attention to restrain his or her own behaviors to tide over the difficulty every 12 years.

In Taoism, each year has a certain god called Taisui in charge of the world.

People meeting their Ben Ming Nian would go to temples to worship the year’s Taisu god to pray for good luck and avoid disasters.

There is also a tradition of wearing in red to exorcise evil spirits.

The zodiac culture is also embodied in Chinese literature and art.

You might have been impressed by the Journey to the West, a classical Chinese novel with the leading role of Monkey King; or you might have heard the story of the 12 bronze animal heads of the Old Summer Palace in Beijing.

There are a lot of legends, poems, fictions, paintings, sculptures, and traditional Chinese paper-cuttings themed on zodiac animals.

Nowadays, the zodiac is considered the mascot of the Chinese New Year, adding entertainments to people’s daily life.

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