History of the Chinese Zodiac. The Chinese zodiac is made up of twelve animals that initially appeared in the 5th century B.C. during the Zhan Guo dynasty. Although no one knows when the zodiac was essentially founded, it was formally recognized during the Han Dynasty [206 B.C.9 A.D.], which occurred almost 2000 years ago.
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What is the origin of the Chinese zodiac?
The Jade Emperor of China decided long ago that there should be a means to measure time. He told the animals on his birthday that it was his birthday.
that there would be a swimming competition The winners would be the first twelve animals to cross the fast-flowing river.
They’d each be given their own zodiac sign and year.
Who created the Chinese horoscope?
Beginning Jan. 26, Asian communities around the world will celebrate the Lunar New Year with food, firecrackers (to ward off evil spirits), red paper lanterns (red being a bright hue that foreshadows a bright future), and dragon and lion dances for good luck. (A group of dancers holds a model of the animal’s head and a long train depicting its body and moves sinuously to symbolize power and dignity; no lions or dragons are hurt.) Such customs come from an astrological system that dates back to the Shang Dynasty (about 1700 B.C. ), when soothsayers would burn turtle shells or goat or bovine shoulder blades and utilize the cracks to predict what would happen in the future. Years later, the remains of these “readings” were discovered and dubbed “dragon bones.” The time marks the beginning of the Chinese link to the celestial bodies that form the basis of the Chinese zodiac, despite the fact that these approaches were not technically astrological. (Photos of Chinese New Year celebrations can be found here.)
The Chinese calendar is based on the revolution of the moon, therefore the new year might fall anywhere between mid-January and late-February. According to tradition, Ta Nao, an Emperor Huang Ti’s minister, invented the calendar, which has been used in Asia from 4000 B.C. It is based on 12 temperaments represented by 12 symbolic animals: the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, the dog, and the pig (the dragon being the well-known favorite). The cycle restarts after 12 years, matching the duration of Jupiter’s solar orbit. (See “China’s Year of the Ox Isn’t So Bullish.”)
Each animal in the zodiac is linked to a specific element.
Metal, wood, earth, water, or fire are the elements given to each year. A person’s personality is believed to be defined by the mix of these two traits. For example, 2009 is the year of the earth ox, yet the ox’s fixed element is water; some say the combination of the two elements, earth and water, is destructive.
Animals and some of the years they connect to:
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003: Goat/Sheep (well-mannered, altruistic, insecure, reckless)
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, Monkey (independent, passionate, unscrupulous, infantile personality)
Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005): resourceful, adventurous, short-sighted, impractical
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 (attentive, faithful, stubborn, guarded)
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, pig/boar (sincere, cultivated, noncompetitive, gullible)
1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 (hardworking, thrifty, quick-tempered, neurotic)
1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 (patient, self-sacrificing, jealous, inflexible)
1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, Tiger (fortunate, bold, vain, undisciplined)
1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, Rabbit (ambitious, unflappable, aloof, private)
1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 (intuitive, influential, demanding, judgemental)
1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 (calm, intellectual, indolent, possessive)
1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 (entertaining, forceful, egotistical, rebellious)
Elements that correspond to specific animals include:
Wood (tiger, rabbit, dragon) represents high moral standards and a proclivity for taking on too much.
Earth (not fixed because it is made up of the other four elements): practical and dependable, but lacking in inventiveness)
Aggressive, domineering, dynamic in voice and action (snake, horse, sheep)
When charting a person’s characteristics or predicting what the new year will bring, a Chinese astrologer takes all of these factors into account. These forecasts aren’t just for carnival sideshows or fortune cookies; in many Asian cultures, the year’s forecasts are closely scrutinized for omens relating to business, romantic, and family decisions in the future year. Some Chinese parents schedule their children’s births during dragon years in order to increase their children’s fortune. Some persons who were born in the “wrong” years have apparently been denied entry to weddings and funerals. Those planning for 2009 should be aware that, due to the lack of fire in this year’s prophecy, fortune tellers believe the economy will do no better than it did in 2008, the year of the rat.
When did the zodiac come into being?
Babylonian astronomers split the ecliptic into 12 equal “signs” at the end of the 5th century BC, analogous to 12 schematic months of 30 days each. The first known celestial coordinate system was created when each sign contained 30 degrees of celestial longitude. According to contemporary astronomical estimates, the zodiac was first used between 409 and 398 BC, during Persian dominance, and most likely within a few years of 401 BC. Unlike modern astrologers, who place the beginning of the sign of Aries at the position of the Sun at the Northern Hemisphere’s vernal equinox (March equinox), Babylonian astronomers fixed the zodiac in relation to stars, placing the beginning of Cancer at the “Rear Twin Star” (Geminorum) and the beginning of Aquarius at the “Rear Star of the Goat-Fish” ( Capricorni).
Since Babylonian times, the time of year when the Sun is in a certain constellation has altered due to equinox precession; the point of March equinox has moved from Aries to Pisces.
They formed a perfect system of reference for making predictions about a planet’s longitude since they were divided into 30 equal arcs. However, Babylonian observational measurement techniques were still in the early stages of development. They measured the position of a planet in relation to a group of “normal stars” near the ecliptic (9 degrees latitude) as observational reference points to aid in planet placing inside the ecliptic coordinate system.
A planet’s location in Babylonian astrological journals was usually stated in terms of a zodiac sign alone, rather than particular degrees within a sign. When degrees of longitude were given, they were stated in terms of the 30th degree of the zodiac sign, rather than the continuous 360 ecliptic. The positions of prominent astronomical phenomena were estimated in sexagesimal fractions of a degree in astronomical ephemerides (equivalent to minutes and seconds of arc). The daily locations of a planet were less important in daily ephemerides than the astrologically significant times when the planet moved from one zodiac sign to the next.
Why isn’t the cat considered a sign of the zodiac?
The Cat is the 13th animal emblem in the Vietnamese and Gurung zodiacs’ 12-year cycle, replacing the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. As a result, the Rabbit’s characteristics are attributed to the Cat. The Rat and the Cat are at odds.
Legends about the Chinese zodiac arrangement frequently include tales about why the cat was not included among the twelve animals. Because the Rat duped the cat into missing the Jade Emperor’s dinner, the cat was not invited, was unaware that the feast was taking place, and was not given a year, and thus began the animosity between cats and rats. Domesticated cats may not have been widespread in China at the time of the zodiac’s inception.
Another mythology, known as “The Great Race,” claims that all of the zodiac animals were on their way to the Jade Emperor. The Cat and Rat were the smartest of the animals, but they were also bad swimmers and ended up in a river. They both conned the helpful, ignorant Ox into letting them ride on its back across the river. The Rat pushed the Cat into the river as the Ox approached the opposite side, then hopped from the Ox and dashed to the Jade Emperor, becoming the first of the zodiac. All the other animals made it to the Jade Emperor, whereas the Cat was left to perish in the river after being sabotaged by the Rat. This is also supposed to be why cats are continuously on the lookout for rats.
There have been several theories as to why the Vietnamese, unlike all other countries that use the Sino lunar calendar, have the cat as their zodiac animal rather than the Rabbit. The most frequent reason is that “rabbit” (mao) sounds like “cat” in ancient Chinese (meo).
Which animal was the first to arrive?
Astrology is undoubtedly one of the oldest ideologies still practiced in China. Some say it’s almost 3,000 years old, but a recent analysis of more esoteric ideas places it even further back in human history’s murky past. Astrology has been used to foretell what would happen to countries, the result of battles, economic trends, and much more since ancient China.
The Chinese zodiac is divided into 12 signs, each of which represents a different animal. According to one Chinese mythology, the semi-mythical Yellow Emperor created the animal signs in 2637 B.C. According to another tradition, before departing from Earth, the Lord Buddha summoned all of the animals to come to him. Only 12 creatures came to say their goodbyes. As a reward, he named each of them a year after the other, in the order in which they arrived. The Rat was the first animal to appear, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. As a result, we now have 12 indicators.
These 12 Animal Signs, each with its own year in the cycle, form the basis of the Chinese horoscope. Your life is profoundly influenced by the animal ruling year in which you were born. “This is the animal that hides in your heart,” the Chinese say.
THE PIG
With immense inner power, he is studious and gallant. Will not back down from his objectives. Quiet, yet always up to date. He has a small circle of friends, but he is always nice, affectionate, and devoted. Rabbits and lambs are both compatible with this product. If the Pig’s instincts are followed, the rest of the year will be fruitful in terms of fortune and luck.
THE DOG
The best qualities of human nature are possessed by those born in the Year of the Dog. They have a strong sense of loyalty, are trustworthy, and inspire others’ trust through knowing how to keep secrets. Dog People, on the other hand, are somewhat egotistical, obstinate, and quirky. They don’t care about money, yet they constantly appear to have it. At parties, they might be emotionally cold and aloof. They have a tendency to criticize everything and are known for their sharp tongues. Dog owners make excellent leaders. They get along with people born in the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit years.
THE ROOSTER
People born in the Year of the Rooster are capable, talented, and insightful thinkers. They enjoy being busy and are dedicated beyond their skills, and they are devastated if they fail. People born in the Year of the Rooster are frequently quirky, and their relationships with others are sometimes strained. They are constantly convinced that they are correct, and they are generally correct! They are typically loners, and despite their outward appearance of adventure, they are shy. The emotions of Roosters, like their fortunes, swing from high to low. They can be egotistical and outspoken, but they are always fascinating and courageous. They get along best with Ox, Snake, and Dragon.
THE MONKEY
The erratic geniuses of the cycle are those born in the Year of the Monkey. They are incredibly innovative and original, and they can solve the most difficult difficulties with ease. Clever, skilled, and adaptable, they are remarkably inventive and original, and they can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few disciplines in which Monkeys would fail, but they have an unsettling propensity of being overly nice. They want to get things done right away, and if they can’t get started right away, they feel disheartened and abandon their tasks. Despite their ability to make decisions, they have a tendency to look down on others. Monkeys are intelligent, have a strong drive for information, and have exceptional memories. Monkeys have a strong will, but their rage dissipates rapidly. They get along best with the Dragon and Rat.
Who came up with the concept of zodiac signs?
The 12 zodiac signs, one of the earliest notions of astrology, were devised by the Babylonians around 1894 BC. The Babylonians lived at Babylon, which is roughly where modern-day Iraq is located. Babylon was one of the most prominent ancient Mesopotamian towns.
Is the Chinese zodiac based on science?
Throughout history, the evolution of astronomy and astrology has been inextricably linked. However, in China, the two have traditionally had much greater ties than in Europe, where they have been mainly recognized as independent disciplines since the eighteenth century. Astronomy is now recognized as a scientific field that involves the observation of objects and occurrences outside of the earth’s atmosphere. Astrology, on the other hand, is more commonly defined as a sort of ‘divination,’ and is primarily concerned with making predictions about life on Earth based on the positions of celestial bodies in the sky. This assumes that happenings on Earth and in the sky are connected, and as such is a discipline that some take seriously while others dismiss.
The location of the major planets, sun, moon, and comets in the sky at the exact hour of a person’s birth, as well as the year in which they were born, according to Chinese astrological philosophy, can define a person’s destiny. Each year in China is associated with one of twelve animals and one of five elements, resulting in a sixty-year cycle. Although it is by no means scientific, accurate astrological prediction is a difficult process that some people take extremely seriously. By contrast, most Chinese are familiar with their year sign, and it is frequently mentioned in reference to compatibility with others, but it is no longer utilized seriously in significant decision-making.
Why is the rat the first animal to appear in the Chinese zodiac?
The weary rat managed to cross the stream by persuading the friendly cow to let it sit on its head while crossing. Rather than saying thank you on the other side, the rat dashed across the finish line, followed by the ox. As a result, the rat comes first in the cycle, followed by the ox.
Is the Chinese horoscope accurate?
You might not know that Chinese astrology has been around for almost 5,000 years if you’ve just read about your Chinese zodiac sign on mass-produced place mats at Chinese restaurants. It’s a significant part of traditional Chinese culture, influencing perspectives on how to connect with the world in the best possible way, Chinese traditional medicine, and Feng Shui, the Chinese art of design. You might also be shocked to learn that your Chinese Zodiac sign is considered more accurate than your astrological zodiac sign by some astrologers, for a variety of reasons.
On the surface, Chinese and Western astrology appear to be very similar. According to the Feng Shui Institute, the Chinese zodiacSheng Xiaoincludes 12 primary signs, also known as terrestrial branches, each of which is symbolized by an animalRat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, similar to western astrology. Your Chinese zodiac sign is based on your year of birth on the Chinese calendar, rather than your month of birth, and forecasts everything from your personality to how well you get along with others, according to Travel China.
The Chinese zodiac incorporates five earthy elements that interact to form a cycle of ups and downs for each sign, as well as your birth date, month, and time, making it far more complicated than Western astrology. Your Chinese horoscope, unlike Western astrology, is not set in stone, according to the website Your Chinese Astrology. Rather, it is up to you to apply the information to improve your future luck. Continue reading to learn more about your Chinese zodiac sign and how it may be even more accurate than your astrological zodiac sign: