🎬
Synopsis
The Chinese Zodiac consists of twelve animals that represent years in a repeating twelve-year cycle, each with distinct personality traits.
Overview
The Chinese Zodiac (十二生肖, Sheng Xiao) is an important part of traditional Chinese culture. Twelve animals represent years in a repeating cycle, each associated with distinct personality traits.
The Twelve Animals
| Earthly Branch | Animal | Recent Years |
|---|---|---|
| Zi | Rat | 2020, 2032 |
| Chou | Ox | 2021, 2033 |
| Yin | Tiger | 2022, 2034 |
| Mao | Rabbit | 2023, 2035 |
| Chen | Dragon | 2024, 2036 |
| Si | Snake | 2025, 2037 |
| Wu | Horse | 2014, 2026 |
| Wei | Goat | 2015, 2027 |
| Shen | Monkey | 2016, 2028 |
| You | Rooster | 2017, 2029 |
| Xu | Dog | 2018, 2030 |
| Hai | Pig | 2019, 2031 |
Origin Legend
According to legend, the Jade Emperor selected twelve animals as zodiac representatives in order of their arrival at his palace. The rat, riding on the ox's back, jumped ahead at the last moment to become first.
Personality Traits
| Animal | Traits |
|---|---|
| Rat | Clever, quick-witted |
| Ox | Diligent, dependable |
| Tiger | Brave, confident |
| Rabbit | Gentle, sensitive |
| Dragon | Ambitious, energetic |
| Snake | Wise, mysterious |
| Horse | Energetic, free-spirited |
| Goat | Kind, gentle |
| Monkey | Clever, lively |
| Rooster | Hardworking, punctual |
| Dog | Loyal, just |
| Pig | Honest, tolerant |
References
- Baidu Baike: Sheng Xiao
- Wikipedia: Chinese Zodiac
- Chinese Folklore Network
Comments (0)