Effects of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs People's Personal Traits Cat didn't wake up until the race was over and it was too late - he was not able to make it into the cycle.Īfter the party, a great enmity grew between Cat and Rat, so that rats scatter in all directions when a cat appears.Īn alternative version of the story says that Cat and Rat got as far as crossing the river together on Ox's head, but Rat pushed Cat into the water (and Cat was washed away and drowned or didn't get back to the Heavenly Gate in time to get a ranking). On the morning, however, Rat left quietly without informing Cat. The sleepyhead Cat kicked open Rat's door, ordering Rat to keep him informed of when he was going to the Emperor's birthday party, and Rat readily promised that he would. Upon hearing the Emperor's decree Rat chuckled to himself and thought: 'This is an opportunity'. See 12 Chinese Zodiac Sign SymbolismĪlthough Cat and Rat were neighbors, the former always bullied the latter, and Rat felt very angry but dared not say it out loud therefore, he sought revenge on Cat. These 12 animals became guards of the Heavenly Gate. But he jumped between trees and stones, and caught up to be ninth. The Jade Emperor saw how polite they were and ranked them seventh and eighth. They were very kind and modest and each let the other go first. Just then, Snake came forward and said Dragon was his adoptive father so Snake ranked sixth.

But Dragon's son didn't come with him that day. A rather controversial one involves taking of medicine which is discouraged during the New Year as this is believed to bring disease on any one during the year.Good-looking Dragon was fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who said Dragon's son could be sixth. During the celebrations, the wearing of monochrome outfits is discouraged as any black-and-white attire is associated with mourning. Women are discouraged from leaving their own homes to go visiting acquaintances during the New Year, and this is especially emphasized on married women. The slaughtering of animals is discouraged during the New Year celebrations as spilling of blood is considered a bad omen which can lead to a misfortune during the year. New Year Taboosĭuring the Chinese New Year celebrations, there are several things that are considered as taboo that people are discouraged from doing. People born during the year of the tiger are believed to have similar personality characteristics which include courage, enthusiasm, confidence, charisma, and leadership. The years in the past which have been established as the years of the tiger include 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010. According to the 12-year Chinese zodiac, the year of the tiger is observed after the conclusion of the year of the ox. The tiger is the third animal of the Chinese zodiac and is celebrated during the New Year. People born during the year of the ox are believed to have common personality characteristics which include strength, thoroughness, determination, loyalty, and reliability. The next expected year of the ox being 2021. The year of the ox is observed after the completion of the year of the rat and the years of the ox in the past include 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, and 2009. The ox can also be identified as the cow or the water buffalo. The ox is another New Year animal found on the Chinese zodiac and is the second animal after the rat.

Some of the positive traits believed to be shared by individuals born in the year of the rat are that they are artistic, sociable, industrious, charming, and intelligent while negative traits seen in people born in the year of the rat include cunning, scheming and manipulative. People born during the year of the rat are believed to share some characteristics or personalities. According to the Chinese zodiac, the years which are defined as “the year of the rat” include 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, and 2008. The rat is one of the 12 animals found on the Chinese zodiac. The beginning of a New Year in China is marked with elaborate celebrations as people usher in the start of a New Year animal. These animals include the tiger, the rat, the rabbit, the sheep, the dragon, the pig, the ox, the horse, the dog, the monkey, the snake, and the rooster. The zodiac is based on Chinese astrology. One of the cultural beliefs of the Chinese people is the Chinese zodiac which is a periodic timeline which occurs after every 12 years where each year has a specific animal representing it. The Chinese people have distinct cultural beliefs and traditions unlike any other in the world. What are the Chinese New Year Animals? Celebrating the year of the Rooster.

Lunar new year animals by year