Origin and Culture of Chinese Zodiac

It’s a mystery that which country created the zodiac first. According to the historical literature, the 12 animals in China used today including the animal selection and their orders were originated in the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). The order of the animals is most explained with a folk-tale about how the animals were summoned to heaven by the Jade Emperor who ruled the heavens of China.

Why is the Chinese zodiac system so important to the Chinese? As an important part of the traditional Chinese Culture, the Chinese Zodiac culture has long been recognized, accepted, taken by consensus and penetrated into the daily lives of the Chinese people. Everyone, from the date of birth, has his unique animal sign accompanying him with the life long time. It is the birth symbol and mascot with different symbolic meanings for each one affecting their behaviors, characters and destiny. People show their strong belief in fortune and luck through the animal signs. As each animal sign has unique personality traits, the Chinese people like to predict people’s relations and more according to this. For example, when finding their mates, Chinese people hope to find the person with the animal sign that compatible with his best. Also the zodiac provides guidance on how people live their lives. For example, according to Chinese astrology, in different animal years, people under different signs should pay attention to different things in order to go smoothly in the year. All in all, the Chinese zodiac is an important component of China’s ancient culture, reflecting the rich psychology of the Chinese people vividly.

1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008 2020 2032

Rat
1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009 2021 2033

Ox
1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010 2022 2034

Tiger
1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011 2023 2035

Rabbit
1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 2012 2024 2036

Dragon
1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013 2025 2037

Snake
1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 2014 2026 2038

Horse
1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 2015 2027 2039

Sheep
1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 2016 2028

Monkey
1921 1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005 2017 2029

Rooster
1922 1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006 2018 2030

Dog
1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019 2031

http://www.yourchineseastrology.com/zodiac/