Do you know the twelve Chinese Zodiac signs? Do you know relevant information about them? Below let map cub explain them to you.
Overview
The twelve Chinese Zodiac signs are twelve different kinds of animals based on a person’s year of birth that are matched with China and the twelve terrestrial branches. They include the rat, cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, chicken, dog, and pig. Its origins are connected with animal worship. A relatively complete zodiac system existed as early as the pre-Qin Period. The zodiac is an expression of folk religion and faith that is manifested in things like marriage, life, and yearly fortune. Most people today view the zodiac signs as mascots of the Spring Festival, and have become symbols for entertainment and cultural events.
Symbols for Attributes of Divinity
Each zodiac sign has a rich legend that symbolizes different meanings.
Rat
The rat is shrewd and can foresee good or ill luck and catastrophe. The rat secretly eats grains, proving that the “hamster has excess grain”, and symbolizes wealth. The rat has a strong ability to breed, and is a symbol of fertility worship.
Cow
Chinese people have a deep affection for cows because cows are used for plowing. As a result cows represent excellent qualities like simplicity, integrity, and industriousness, and no expectation of a reward.
Tiger
The tiger is the king of animals. The ancients viewed it as a protector god, and represents valor. It is a symbol of vitality, boldness, solemnity, and influence.
Rabbit
Rabbit is a symbol of the moon, and represents prudence and goodness. In the north there is a marriage custom belief that “when a snake winds around a rabbit, wealth is sure to arrive”.
Dragon
The dragon can control the forces of nature, and is a symbol of imperial power,nobility, and honor. It also symbolizes standing apart from others and the outstanding.
Snake
The snake, also called the small dragon, appears in more negative images: avariciousness, cunning, and cold bloodedness. Positive meanings include auspiciousness, holiness, wealth, and long life.
Horse
Represents the national spirit of bravely moving forward, and unwavering strength. It is also a symbol for competence, sages, gifted people, and a capability for outstanding achievements.
Goat
The ancients viewed the goat as a “virtuous animal”, and symbolizes goodness, gratitude, and filial piety
Monkey
The monkey is a symbol of good fortune, eminence, intelligence and wit, the expelling of evil forces and the enjoyment of ease and comfort.
Chicken
The chicken crows at the same time every day, and represents integrity and diligence. Roosters are brave and aggressive. The ancients imagined it as possessing the divine power of exorcising evil spirits.
Dog
The dog represents honesty, and can also foresee good or ill fortune, and exorcise evil spirits and eliminate disasters.
Pig
The pig is a symbol of wealth. The large head and big ears of a pig are a symbol of good fortune, and pigs can foresee the rain.
Foreign Countries
Other countries also have zodiac signs. Vietnam replaces the rabbit with acat. India has a lion and not a tiger. The others are the same. The zodiacsigns of Korea and Japan are the same as China’s. Cambodia and Thailand have the same zodiac signs as China, but respectively have the cow and snake in the leading positions. Myanmar has eight zodiac signs.
