The Chinese zodiac is an important part of traditional Chinese culture. It is also a concrete manifestation of Chinese cultural concepts such as the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements. These twelve animals each have their unique symbolic meanings and legendary stories. They not only represent the Chinese people’s understanding of time, the universe, and life but also reflect the Chinese people’s philosophy of life and outlook on life.
1，Introduction to the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac, or animal sign, refers to twelve animals used by some ethnic groups in China and East Asia to represent the years. Collectively known as the Chinese zodiac, they are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. They are matched with the twelve Earthly Branches (Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, and Hai) in sequence. The Chinese zodiac is also called the Twelve-Year Beasts. In the Chinese calendar, there are twelve year beasts taking turns on duty one by one. Therefore, in our Chinese New Year, the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig are applied to the calendar. That is, what is often said: Zi Rat, Chou Ox, Yin Tiger, Mao Rabbit, Chen Dragon, Si Snake, Wu Horse, Wei Sheep, Shen Monkey, You Rooster, Xu Dog, and Hai Pig.
2，The Origin of the Chinese Zodiac
There are various opinions about the origin of the Chinese zodiac, mainly including the theory of celestial phenomena and constellations, the theory of Jupiter’s movement, the theory of totem worship, etc. In historical records, according to the Qin bamboo slips unearthed from Shuihudi in Yunmeng, Hubei, and Fangmatan in Tianshui, Gansu, it can be known that a relatively complete zodiac system already existed as early as the pre-Qin period. The earliest and widely circulated complete cycle of the Chinese zodiac in documented Chinese history was put forward by Wang Chong in “Lunheng” written during the 1st century AD in the Eastern Han Dynasty. In addition, the Chinese zodiac is a visualized representation of the twelve Earthly Branches. With the development of history, it has gradually integrated into the folk belief concepts of mutual generation and restraint, manifested in marriage, life, annual fortune, etc. Each zodiac animal has rich legends and has thus formed a conceptual interpretation system, becoming an image philosophy in folk culture, such as zodiac signs in marriage matching, prayers at temple fairs, and the year of one’s birth sign. In modern times, more people regard the zodiac as the mascot of the Spring Festival and a symbol of entertainment and cultural activities.
3，Characteristics of the Chinese Zodiac
The content of the Chinese zodiac includes twelve animals such as the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal has its unique symbolic meaning and legendary story.
- The Rat of the Chinese Zodiac
The Rat symbolizes wit, flexibility, and independence. The period of Zi: Midnight, also known as Ziye; Middle of the night: It is the first of the twelve two-hour periods. From 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. the next day belongs to the period of Zi. It is precisely when rats are frequently active while taking advantage of the dead of night. So it is called “Zi Rat”.
The Rat of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: People born in the year of the Rat are naturally alert-minded, cautious in doing things, highly adaptable, focus on strength, and have an obvious tendency to hoard. They like to make many friends, are tolerant and kind-hearted, and are thus very popular. In many cases, they care for others more than their relatives. Therefore, people born in the year of the Rat are overly generous and open-minded about money.
Disadvantages: Some people born in the year of the Rat are naturally restless, lacking perseverance. No matter what they do, they tend to start things but not finish them. They have no perseverance or patience. They are too cautious in speaking and doing things, being overly careful everywhere, which easily makes them hold back and affects their progress.
- The Ox of the Chinese Zodiac
The Ox symbolizes diligence, strength, and dedication. In ancient agricultural society, the Ox was an important means of production. The period of Chou: Cockcrow, also known as Huangji, is the second of the twelve two-hour periods. From 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., it belongs to the period of Chou. Oxen are used to eating grass at night, and farmers often got up late at night to feed them by lamplight. So it is called “Chou Ox”.
The Ox of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: People born in the year of the Ox are cautious and careful in doing things, with the habit of taking practical actions steadily and slowly. They have an obstinate temper, can distinguish right from wrong and follow procedures step by step. They have a strong sense of career and are the most enduring.
Disadvantages: They don’t like changes or taking risks. They are deep in emotion but too practical, not romantic enough and are easy to trust others, so they are likely to be deceived all their lives.
- The Tiger of the Chinese Zodiac
The Tiger symbolizes bravery, strength, and independence. In Chinese culture, the Tiger symbolizes the spirit of forging ahead bravely and fearing no difficulties or dangers. The period of Yin: Daybreak, also known as Dawn, Morning, etc., is the time when night turns into day. From 3 a.m. to 5 a.m., it belongs to the period of Yin. At this time, tigers that hide during the day and come out at night are the fiercest. Ancient people often heard the roars of tigers at this time. So it is called “Yin Tiger”.
The Tiger of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: People born in the year of the Tiger like romance, are playful, and are fond of adventures. They have a high opinion of themselves and have high requirements. They don’t like being ordered around by others and won’t be an employee who takes orders from others. They seem tolerant on the outside but are strong-willed inside. They have the nature of being brave and fond of reputation. However, they are deeply compassionate and have the spirit of sacrificing themselves for righteousness. They like to show off and have a chivalrous heart, often leaving a bad reputation in the world.
Disadvantages: They are decisive in doing things but also impulsive. They are born belligerent, gifted but arrogant about their talents, unconventional and unrestrained. Sometimes they don’t know when to advance or retreat. They act on impulse and are likely to cause bad consequences.
- The Rabbit of the Chinese Zodiac
The Rabbit symbolizes agility, gentleness, and harmony. In folk stories, the Rabbit often appears as a witty and lovely image. The period of Mao: Sunrise, also known as the Beginning of the Day, Daybreak, etc., refers to the time when the sun just shows its face and begins to rise slowly. From 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., it belongs to the period of Mao. When it is just dawn, rabbits come out of their nests and like to eat grass with morning dew. So it is called “Mao Rabbit”.
The Rabbit of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: People born in the year of the Rabbit are gentle in character, delicate in emotion, understanding, and meticulous in doing things. They pay great attention to the changes in their surroundings. The so-called “The cunning rabbit has three burrows” is by no means a derogatory term in the general sense. Only by protecting themselves well can they develop themselves well. Most people born in the year of the Rabbit are elegant in manner, refined in speech, polite and courteous to others, realistic and good at calculation.
Disadvantages: Usually, they only care about the trifles in front of them. They are a bit narrow-minded and have no lofty aspirations. They are timid, rather weak, sentimental, and lack self-confidence. They always feel insecure, too timid and cowardly, and are rather nagging and annoying.
- The Dragon of the Chinese Zodiac
The Dragon is a divine beast in Chinese culture, symbolizing authority, strength, and auspiciousness. In Chinese history, the Dragon has always been a symbol of the imperial family. The period of Chen: Breakfast time, also known as Morning Meal, etc. When the ancients had “morning meal”, that is, the time for having breakfast. From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., it belongs to the period of Chen. At this time, it is usually foggy. Legend has it that dragons like to ride the clouds and mist, and it is also the time when the sun is rising steadily. So it is called “Chen Dragon”.
The Dragon of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: People born in the year of the Dragon do things in a grand manner, forge ahead bravely, are super intelligent, have a very strong self-awareness, and have lofty and magnificent goals. Moreover, they have the talent and quality of a leader. It seems that they always have inexhaustible energy and motivation.
Disadvantages: Don’t be arrogant because of your natural talent and inspiration. They are 轻率多变 (hasty and changeable), restless, always seem happy on the surface, but when alone, they are sad and melancholy. When facing good things and good opportunities, they are hesitant and often miss good opportunities. They always regret and make excuses for themselves.
- The Snake of the Chinese Zodiac
The Snake symbolizes wisdom, flexibility, and change. In folk stories, the Snake is often depicted as an animal with magical power. The period of Si: Mid-morning, also known as Day Yu, etc. The time near noon is called Mid-morning. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., it belongs to the period of Si. The thick fog dissipates and the bright sun shines high. Snakes come out of their holes to look for food. So it is called “Si Snake”.
The Snake of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: People with the attribute of the Snake give people a romantic and mysterious feeling. They are skillful in handling affairs, smooth in speech, and good at seeking personal gains. They have the advantages of timely adaptability and natural perception.
Disadvantages: People born in the year of the Snake have an indifferent personality that may cause misunderstandings and suspicions. They are picky and pursue perfection. They think that nothing is what they want and doesn’t meet their wishes. They are unreasonable perfectionists and are too sensitive, making people feel that they are difficult to deal with.
- The Horse of the Chinese Zodiac
The Horse symbolizes boldness, strength, and freedom. In Chinese history, the Horse was an important means of transportation and also an important force in wars. The period of Wu: Noon, also known as Midday, etc. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., it belongs to the period of Wu. In ancient times, wild horses were not tamed by humans. Whenever it was noon, they ran around and neighed. So it is called “Wu Horse”.
The Horse of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: People born in the year of the Horse are cheerful and romantic, enthusiastic, good at speech, and have an optimistic outlook on life. They like to defend the weak, are active in doing things. They have a temperament of not submitting to others, are free and unrestrained, are not good at keeping secrets, act immediately when they say they will do something, make friends widely, get along well with others, like to take good care of others affectionately, are often honest with others, have a strong comprehension ability and many creative ideas.
Disadvantages: Such people usually have enough understanding and actions, but the probability of success is always insufficient. They are born restless, like to pursue changes and excitement in life, are fond of adventures, are greedy for risks, are born to fall in love easily and give up easily. They accept new things quickly and give up quickly too. They change frequently, especially when things don’t go as they wish, the rhythm of change is even faster.
- The Sheep of the Chinese Zodiac
The Sheep symbolizes meekness, weakness, and auspiciousness. In ancient agriculture, the Sheep was one of the important domestic animals. The period of Wei: Afternoon, also known as Afternoon Decline, Mid-afternoon, etc. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., it belongs to the period of Wei. In some places, this time is called “Sheep Going to the Slope”, which means it is a good time to herd sheep. So it is called “Wei Sheep”.
The Sheep of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: They are gentle in character, harmonious and easygoing in interpersonal communication, consider others very carefully and meticulously in dealing with people and things, are steady and humble in doing things, and at the same time have a strong ability to initiate and firm perseverance, with a gentle personality.
Disadvantages: They are timid and cowardly, dare not take responsibilities, are very afraid of losing, and sometimes are rather selfish. They want to get everything but are afraid to take risks and responsibilities for anything. In terms of feelings, they are likely to be serious about trifles, be impulsive, and then intensify contradictions. The prominent weakness is the “herd mentality”. Their personal opinions are drowned in the crowd following the trend, and it is difficult to show their personal characteristics and advantages.
- The Monkey of the Chinese Zodiac
The Monkey symbolizes wit, flexibility, and curiosity. The period of Shen: Late afternoon, also known as Afternoon Tea Time, Dinner Time, etc. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., it belongs to the period of Shen. The sun is to the west, and monkeys like to cry at this time. So it is called “Shen Monkey”.
The Monkey of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: They have relatively strong learning ability and enterprising spirit. They are curious about new things, not lacking in intelligence and wisdom, react quickly, have many ideas, and are also very active in actions.
Disadvantages: They are cunning and lively, restless yet lazy, smooth-talking, and wavering in emotions. When doing things, they think they are smarter than anyone else. As a result, they often lose the big gains and only get small profits.
- The Rooster of the Chinese Zodiac
The Rooster symbolizes punctuality, diligence, and vigilance. In Chinese culture, the Rooster is a symbol of time. The period of You: Sunset, also known as Sun Down, Sun Setting. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., it belongs to the period of You. The sun has set, and the roosters walk around in front of their nests. So it is called “You Rooster”.
The Rooster of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: They are steady in doing things, have lofty aspirations in line with modern trends, have a quick mind, are impatient, like to dress themselves up, are good at socializing, are eloquent, like to be complimented by others, are fond of praising others, are frank and active, brave and humorous, witty and resourceful, competitive and focused, quick in mental reaction, deliberate, and diligent and capable.
Disadvantages: They have a strong sense of vanity, are aloof in character, like the feeling of being neither too close nor too distant, are not focused in emotions, love to spoil and show themselves, giving people the impression of being conceited, flashy but without substance, and are easily looked down upon by others.
- The Dog of the Chinese Zodiac
The Dog symbolizes loyalty, bravery, and protection. The period of Xu: Dusk, also known as Evening, Sunset, Nightfall, etc. At this time, the sun has already set, and it is getting dark but not completely dark yet. The sky and the earth are dim, and everything is hazy. So it is called Dusk. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., it belongs to the period of Xu. People have been busy for a day and are ready to rest. Dogs lie in front of the door to guard. Once there is any movement, they bark loudly. So it is called “Xu Dog”.
The Dog of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: They are loyal and brave, have a firm will, are especially rich in a sense of justice and loyalty, are quick in action, go all out when doing things, seldom emphasize objective reasons, don’t complain about others, are honest and simple in character, upright and kind-hearted, faithful and reliable in dealing with people and things, and are highly respected by everyone.
Disadvantages: They are born belligerent, restless, impatient in character. Their biggest weakness is being reckless and impulsive. Sometimes they are too emotional when doing things. In many cases, because of their impulsiveness and regardless of the consequences, they bring a lot of troubles to themselves and their relatives.
- The Pig of the Chinese Zodiac
The Pig symbolizes affluence, peace, and contentment. In China’s agricultural society, the Pig was one of the important domestic animals. The period of Hai: Midnight, also known as Bedtime, etc. At this time, the night is already deep, and people have stopped their activities and gone to sleep. Midnight means that people are quiet. From 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., it belongs to the period of Hai. In the dead of night, the sound of pigs 拱槽 (rooting in the trough) can be heard. So it is called “Hai Pig”.
The Pig of the Chinese Zodiac
Advantages: People born in the year of the Pig are always optimistic and open-minded about life, sympathetic, willing to help others, focused on career and feelings. In terms of interpersonal communication, it should be said that people born in the year of the Pig are quite easygoing and generally won’t compete with others for superiority.
Disadvantages: People born in the year of the Pig are also prone to lose their temper and even like to play pranks on others. They think about problems rather simply and are not easy to see through others’ lies and deceptions. They are hesitant and timid, lack confidence, and sometimes are very stubborn. Once they have decided on something, they are unwilling to make any changes and are not enterprising.
4，Significance of the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese Zodiac has a great influence in modern society. From the perspective of artistic creation, as an important element of traditional Chinese culture, the Chinese Zodiac provides rich creative inspiration for artists. Whether in traditional art forms such as painting or modern art forms such as animation, works with the theme of the Chinese Zodiac can be seen. These works not only have artistic value but also play a role in inheriting and promoting traditional culture. From the perspective of economic value, with the rapid development of the cultural industry and the rise of tourism, the economic value of the Chinese Zodiac has gradually emerged. Cultural and creative products and tourist souvenirs with the elements of the Chinese Zodiac are loved by more and more consumers. From the perspective of social influence, in modern society, the influence of the Chinese Zodiac has gone beyond the cultural category. In education, by telling stories and legends related to the Chinese Zodiac, students’ moral character and values can be cultivated.
As a long-standing folk cultural symbol, from ancient times to the present, a large number of poems, Spring Festival couplets, paintings, calligraphy and painting works, and folk handicrafts depicting the images and symbolic meanings of the Chinese Zodiac have been left.
China has a traditional zodiac culture. Each two-hour period belongs to a zodiac animal. In the thousands of years of Chinese cultural traditions, the zodiac is not only a traditional method of recording years and months but also combines with each individual, endowing people with a kind of magical character and has become an indispensable part of life.