Animal Symbolism pt III - The Chinese Zodiac
The Children Zodiac (shengxiao) is a calendar that repeats on a 12 year cycle as opposed to our 12 month cycle and each year is represented by an animal and said animals attributes. The Zodiac has 2 dates that could be considered a start date, the first being Chinese New Year which is the first day of the Lunar Year and starts somewhere between January 21st and February 20th. The second is the Start of Spring which is the first day of the Solar Year.
The myth of the Zodiacs creation states that the Jade Emperor (the supreme immortal) wanted to create a calendar and called apon all the animals in the kingdom to participate in a race and the first 12 to finish would be awarded a place in Zodiac. The order is as follows:
- Rat
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Goat
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
Let's take a look at each of the Zodiacs.
Rat
The Rat won the race by asking the Ox for help to cross the river and jumped down off the Ox and across the finish line before the Ox could finish. Because of this, Rats are seen as quick witted and resourceful but can lack courage. They have rich imaginations but possess sharp observation skillsso they can take advantage of various opportunities should they present themselves. To the Chinese, Rats represent diligent workers so those born in the Year of the Rat are thought to be wealthy and prosperous.
Ox
The Ox came second due to the quick witted nature of the Rat and its own honest nature. Oxes are diligent, dependable, strong and determined which represent traditional, conservativeconservative characteristics. Female Oxes are said to be faithful partners who place importance on the education of their children and can easily achieve success in their careers with their strong personalities. Male Oxes are patriotic and place great value on their families and work. Whilst Oxes are patient, they lack communication skills and are stubborn and set in their ways. 2021 is the Year of the Ox.
Tiger
The Tiger came 3rd. Tigers are known to be brave, competitive, confident and unpredictable. They are well liked by others but can be irritable, impetuous and overindulgent. Tigers are stubborn and have tough judgementjudgement with an air of authority and don't back track on what they've said. Due to these traints they can be competent leaders although they don't prepare but they can take nearly everything in their stride.
Rabbit
Like their animal counterparts, Rabbits are alert, quick, kind, gentle, elegant, quiet, patient and responsible. However, they can also be melancholy, stubborn, superficial and overly discreet. Gentlemen Rabbits are known to treat people with kindness when they are going through tough times and encourage people to find solutions to achieve success. Lady Rabbits are said to have a pur heart. They are faithful to those around them but tend not to reveal their minds to others. Their cautious and conservative nature leads them to miss opportunities.
Dragon
Dragons have a rich history in Chinese culture so it's no surprise that being born in the Year of the Dragon is considered lucky. Dragons are dominant and ambitious which lead to people in ancient times to see Dragons as world leaders. However, they can also be hotheaded and possess sharp tongues. Because of this, they can be regarded as aggressive and not a fan of criticism. Dragons also possess courage, intelligence, tenacity, enthusiasm and confidence.
Snake
To the Chinese, the Snake is the most enigmatic sign. Those born I the Year of the Snake are said to be the most intuitive of all the signs. Snakes will often act according to their own judgement but tend to remain private. They are determined to achieve whatever they set out to achieve and don't like to fail. They are wise and intelligent, often regarded as great thinkers as they say little but despite this, they are good communicators. Snakes are materialistic, aiming to have the best of everything but they have no patience for shopping. They prefer to work alone which means that they can easily become stressed. If you know someone of the Zodiac sign who is more stressed than normal, give them time and space to work things out.
Horse
Those born in the Year of the Horse are active, energetic and animated. They have a love of crowds so enjoy being at concerts, sporting events, theaters and the like. Horses have a good sense humour and love to take the stage and delight the audience with their performance. At times, the Horse can be self centered but don't mistake this as a complete lack of empathy. Horses can lack confidence at times as their intelligence is more like cunning.
Goat
Goats are said to be gentle, mild mannered, sympathetic, shy, stable, amicable, kindhearted with a strong sense of justice. They have delicate thoughts, strong creative prowess, perseverance and the ability to pick up professional skills with ease. Goats have a tough interior often insisting on their own opinions, at least in their own minds. Their inner resilience is strong and they have excellent defensive skills. Goats prefer groups but don't like to be the centre of attention as they tend to be reserved and quiet, usually due to being lost in thier own thoughts. Although Goats like to look the part, they are not snobbish with it.
Monkey
Monkeys have magnetic personalitiespersonalities with quick wit and intelligence this, combined with curiosity and mischievousness can create a naughty side. They have an affinity for practical jokes however, these jokes can sometimes go wrong although, no malice is meant by them. Monkeys learn fast and are crafty and fast in the opportunities that they take. They often have many interests so it's important for them to find a partner that stimulates them and their interests. Whilst some are drawn to the Monkey'sMonkey's eccentric character, others find it hard to look past their restlessness and their sly, inquisitive nature. Despite being clever and creative, it's not always possible for a Monkey to express their talents in a proper manner. They also like to accept challenges, especially those relating to their interests.
Roosters
Those born in the Year of the Rooster are said to be very observant, hardworkinghardworking, talented, resourceful, courageous and possess inner confidence. They prefer to have people around them and enjoy the spotlight as they are active and talkative. However, they can be outspoken and frank at times but they are also open, loyal and honest. Roosters are vain and boastful about their achievements and can become agitated if people don't listen to them. Their habit of seeking out attention can annoy those around them at times.
Dog
Dogs are loyal, honest, kind, cautious, amiable and prudent, like their animal counterparts. Because of their loyal nature and sincere hearts, Dogs go out of their way to do anything for anyone they deem important to them. They come across as stubborn but this is because they aren't great at communicating and conveying their thoughts to others. If a Dog is thrown into doubtdoubt, the world becomes evil and complicated and everything they refer to becomes pessimistic and they can become overly critical.
Pig
Pigs are diligent, compassionate and generous with great concentration. Once they set their sights on a goal, there's no stopping them! Whilst they rarely ask others for help, they have no problem lending a hand to others. Pigs don't suspect trickery from others so they can be fooled easily. But, they are relatively calm when facing trouble and will handle things properly and with care as they have a great sense of responsibility to finish what they set out to do.
What do you think about the Animal Symbolism of the Chinese Zodiac?
Keep your eyes peeled for our next post in the series!!
Blessings,
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