| According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals | | | | its Middle East roots, both types are likely to have |
| quarreled one day as to who was to head the | | | | been born in their current recognizable form |
| cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide | | | | around 3000 years BC, however they stem from |
| and they held a contest; whoever was to reach | | | | entirely different beginnings as well as traditions |
| the opposite bank of the river would be first, and | | | | and parts of the world. |
| the rest of the animals would receive their years | | | | The 12 animals are further flavored by the |
| according to their finish. | | | | pervading element of that particular year |
| All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank | | | | (elements also revolve as a separate cycle). It is |
| and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had | | | | said that Buddha is responsible for the 12 animals |
| jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to | | | | as they were the only ones who came to bid him |
| jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox's back, | | | | farewell into the next life. |
| and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, | | | | Chinese Astrology is concerned with nature and |
| ended up last. That is why the rat is the first | | | | its traits, the signs progress year by year, |
| year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the | | | | whereas Western Astrology cycles monthly. The |
| pig last. | | | | consideration of Yin and Yang is a very great |
| The Chinese animal signs are a 12-year cycle used | | | | influence upon this subject, Yin being passive, |
| for dating the years. They represent a cyclical | | | | female and receptive while Yang is aggressive, |
| concept of time, rather than the Western linear | | | | male and exploratory. The various permutations |
| concept of time. In the Chinese calendar, the | | | | of these two essential forces in nature, places, |
| beginning of the year falls somewhere between | | | | organizations, events and humanity and the quest |
| late January and early February. The Chinese | | | | to achieve balance so that both operate together |
| have adopted the Western calendar since 1911, | | | | in harmony rather than opposing or canceling each |
| but the lunar calendar is still used for festive | | | | other out are an essentially Oriental viewpoint and |
| occasions such as the Chinese New Year. Many | | | | quest, they form the basis of many Far Eastern |
| Chinese calendars will print both the solar dates | | | | traditions and other influences in Chinese Society |
| and the Chinese lunar dates. | | | | such as Feng Shui. |
| A cultural sidelight of the animal signs in Chinese | | | | The 12 Animal Signs are : Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit |
| folklore is that horoscopes have developed around | | | | (or Cat), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), |
| the animal signs, much like monthly horoscopes in | | | | Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The animal ruling |
| the West have been developed for the different | | | | year in which you were born has a profound |
| moon signs, Pisces, Aries, etc. For example, a | | | | influence on your life. |
| Chinese horoscope may predict that a person | | | | As the Chinese say, This is the animal that hides |
| born in the Year of the Horse would be, cheerful, | | | | in your heart. |
| popular, and loves to compliment others. These | | | | There are five elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal |
| horoscopes are amusing, but not regarded | | | | and Water, each adding a nuance of almost tactile |
| seriously by the Chinese people. | | | | character to the animal sign. Chinese Astrology is |
| Chinese Astrology is said by some scholars to be | | | | based on the Chinese calendar year of your birth |
| the oldest horoscope system in the world. | | | | or the year of an event. There are also many |
| However if you trace Western Astrology back to | | | | more nuances involving the month and day. |