What are Chinese Zodiacs?

History

The Chinese zodiac is most famous for naming the years (Eg: this year 2021 is the year of the Ox). As part of Chinese astrology and folklore, it has influenced people's lives since ancient times. 

It is generally believed the origins of the Chinese zodiac are rooted in zoolatry, or animal worship, with the system dating back to the Qin dynasty, more than 2,000 years ago.

Legend has it that the Jade Emperor summoned all the animals to his palace in a “Great Race”, and the order in which they arrived determined the animal’s place in the zodiac.

Chinese zodiac has remained popular throughout China and much of Asia from history till now. An integral part of everyday life, it’s used to determine a person’s fortune for the year, marriage compatibility, career path, best times to have a baby, and more.

Zodiac Animals and Years

There are 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Unlike astrology or constellations, the zodiac signs are represented by 12 animals. In order, the animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Fun fact: Dragon is one of the most popular zodiac signs, with Chinese births peaking in Dragon years.

The Chinese zodiac is a recurring cycle. The year you were born determines your zodiac sign. For example, if you were born in a year of the Rat (…1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020…), your zodiac sign would be a Rat. A zodiac year doesn’t start on first day of January, but on first day of the Chinese Lunar calendar instead. Check out your Zodiac sign according to your birth year with the table below! (Note: As the dates of Chinese New Year change every year, individuals born in January or February will need to pay special attention to their birth date in addition to their birth year.)

Zodiac Personalities

Year of Rat: Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind

Year of Ox: Diligent, dependable, strong, determined

Year of Tiger: Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind

Year of Rabbit: Quiet, elegant, kind, responsible

Year of Dragon: Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic

Year of Snake: Enigmatic, intelligent, wise

Year of Horse: Animated, active, energetic

Year of Goat: Calm, gentle, sympathetic

Year of Monkey: Sharp, smart, curious

Year of Rooster: Observant, hardworking, courageous

Year of Dog: Lovely, honest, prudent

Year of Pig: Compassionate, generous, diligent

Jewellery of the (Ox) Year

999 Gold Prosperity Fortune Ox Bracelet

 

999 Gold Prosperity Adorable Ox Ring

 

References:

https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/facts.htm

https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/

https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/