The Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac is used to symbolize the year in which a person is born, and it is composed of twelve animals, namely rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. With twelve years as a cycle, each year is represented by a certain animal with the fixed order.
According to its source and relationship with human beings, twelve animals can be divided into three categories.
- The first category
Six domestic animals, namely ox, horse, goat, rooster dog, and pig as the first category, have historically been most closely related to humans for they are not only the source of human food, but also people's helpers in farming, transportation, and warfare. Therefore it is not surprising for them to be selected as members of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs.
- The second category
The second category includes five wild animals that people revere, avoid and like in ancient times, namely, rat, tiger, rabbit, snake and monkey.
- The third category
The dragon, which is considered as an imaginary deity, belongs to the last category. It is the most common totem of the Chinese nation, and signifies auspiciousness and wealth because it is an integration of different features of a couple of animals.
In the long process of its development people often associate the twelve Chinese zodiac signs with one's marriage, career, wealth and health, forming a divination system similar to the foreign astrology.
Colorful cultures and folk customs are also contained in the zodiac signs. In various art forms such as poetry, painting, paper-cutting, sculpture, and embroidery, there are a large number of works themed on the twelve animals.
The Chinese Zodiac Birth Year本命年, also the manifestation of the zodiac culture, is the year in which the zodiac is consistent with one’s year of birth and it appears once every twelve years. Since it is usually considered ominous不吉利, people will wear red clothing and accessories tied with red strings to get rid of bad luck and avoid disasters.
In addition, during the New Year period, China and overseas countries with Chinese residents will issue zodiac stamps to spread Chinese culture and celebrate the Chinese New Year.
