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Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of celebration and tradition in China and many other countries around the world with significant Chinese populations. One of the most well-known aspects of Chinese New Year is the zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs that represent the characteristics and traits of people born in a particular year.
In this article, we will delve into the history and symbolism of the Chinese zodiac and provide an overview of each of the 12 animal signs. We will also explore the traditions and customs associated with Chinese New Year and how the zodiac plays a role in this festive holiday.
What Is the Chinese New Year Zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac is based on the lunar calendar that assigns an animal to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. The 12-year cycle is an approximation to the 11.86-year orbital period of Jupiter, the largest planet in the Solar System.
It is used to determine one’s fortune for the year, marriage compatibility, career fit, and many other aspects of one’s life. It is also used in the traditional calendar and holidays of various East Asian countries.
The Chinese zodiac is used to predict one’s future, marriage compatibility, career fit, and many other aspects of one’s life. It is also used in the traditional calendar and holidays of various East Asian countries.
The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. The animals of the Chinese zodiac are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
The Chinese zodiac is believed to have originated during the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). It was originally used to predict the future and to assign marriage compatibility, but it has since become a popular way to determine personality traits and predict one’s fortune.
The Tale of Chinese New Year Zodiac
One of the most well-known traditions associated with the Chinese New Year is the zodiac, which consists of a cycle of 12 animals that represent the years in the Chinese calendar. The animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
According to legend, the order of the animals in the zodiac was determined by the race to the Jade Emperor’s palace. The Jade Emperor was the ruler of heaven, and he invited all the animals to participate in a race to determine the order of the zodiac.
The rat, being clever and cunning, managed to win the race by hitching a ride on the back of the ox, who was a slow and steady runner. The other animals followed in the order they finished the race, with the pig coming in last.
Characteristic of the 12 Chinese New Year Zodiac
Each animal in the Chinese zodiac has its own set of characteristics that are believed to be associated with the people born in the year of that animal. Here is a summary of the characteristics of each of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac:
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Rat
The rat is associated with intelligence, adaptability, and charm. People born in the year of the rat are thought to be intelligent and resourceful, and they can adapt quickly to new situations. They are also said to be charming and sociable.
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Ox
The ox is associated with hard work, dependability, and strength. People born in the year of the ox are thought to be hardworking and reliable, and they are known for their strength and determination. They are also said to be practical and patient.
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Tiger
The tiger is associated with bravery, passion, and charisma. People born in the year of the tiger are thought to be brave and passionate, and they are known for their charisma and strong personalities. They are also said to be independent and self-assured.
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Rabbit
The rabbit is associated with grace, elegance, and kindness. People born in the year of the rabbit are thought to be graceful and elegant, and they are known for their kindness and compassion. They are also said to be gentle and well-mannered.
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Dragon
The dragon is associated with strength, luck, and power. People born in the year of the dragon are thought to be strong and lucky, and they are known for their power and ambition. They are also said to be energetic and assertive.
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Snake
The snake is associated with intelligence, wisdom, and mystery. People born in the year of the snake are thought to be intelligent and wise, and they are known for their mystery and subtlety. They are also said to be introspective and intuitive.
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Horse
The horse is associated with energy, independence, and adaptability. People born in the year of the horse are thought to be energetic and independent, and they are known for their adaptability and flexibility. They are also said to be confident and quick-witted.
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Goat
The goat is associated with creativity, intelligence, and calmness. People born in the year of the goat are thought to be creative and intelligent, and they are known for their calm and peaceful nature. They are also said to be gentle and refined.
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Monkey
The monkey is associated with intelligence, curiosity, and mischievousness. People born in the year of the monkey are thought to be intelligent and curious, and they are known for their mischievous and playful nature. They are also said to be clever and quick-witted.
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Rooster
The rooster is associated with punctuality, honesty, and responsibility. People born in the year of the rooster are thought to be punctual and honest, and they are known for their sense of responsibility. They are also said to be practical and organized.
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Dog
The dog is associated with loyalty, intelligence, and honesty. People born in the year of the dog are thought to be loyal and intelligent, and they are known for their honesty and integrity. They are also said to be sincere and reliable.
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Pig
The pig is associated with honesty, hardworking, and sincerity. People born in the year of the pig are thought to be intelligent and sincere, with a strong sense of responsibility. They are generally optimistic, have a good sense of humor, and have a strong sense of loyalty. They also love their family.
Chinese New Year and the zodiac play a significant role in Chinese culture and tradition. The celebration marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar and is a time for families to come together and honor their ancestors.
Each year is represented by one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and each animal has its own unique traits and characteristics. Understanding the symbolism and traditions associated with Chinese New Year and the zodiac can help one appreciate and understand this important cultural celebration.
During Chinese New Year, other than identifying the year of the Chinese zodiac, it’s also important to give a CNY hamper or gift basket to your friends, co-workers, and family as a token of appreciation and a way to wish them luck.
No need to be worried, you can order an exclusive CNY hamper or gift basket from FlowerAdvisor Singapore! We offer various kinds of hampers and gift baskets that go well with your preferences. Moreover, we also provide same-day delivery service, just for you.
