| The twelve zodiac animal signs (shengxiao) are, in order,
the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (or goat), monkey,
rooster, dog, and pig. Legend has it that the rat was given the task to
invite the animals to report to the Jade Emperor to be selected for the
zodiac signs. The cat was a good friend of the rat, but the rat forgot to
invite him. So the cat vowed to be the rat's natural enemy for ages to come.
Interestingly the cat -- but not the rabbit -- does make the Vietnamese
Zodiac (see below).
Since the Chinese zodiac follows the Chinese lunar calendar, the switch over date for each sign is according to the Chinese New Year, not January 1 of the western calendar. The Chinese zodiac signs are used by cultures other than Chinese also. For example, some Japanese people use them. The United States Postal Service and those of several other countries issue a "Year of the ???" postage stamp each year to honor this Chinese heritage. However, those unfamiliar with the use of the Chinese lunar calendar usually just assume that the signs switch over on Jan 1 of each year. Those who are serious about the fortune telling aspect of the signs can consult a table, such as the one below. The Chinese Zodiac is based on a twelve year cycle --- each year being represented by an animal that imparts distinct characteristics to its year. Many Chinese believe that the year of a person's birth is the primary factor in determining that person's personality traits, physical and mental attributes and degree of success and happiness throughout his lifetime. |
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