The Chinese Zodiac
by Sofia Maya, iPreparatory Academy
by Sofia Maya, iPreparatory Academy
When someone mentions the “zodiac,” chances are they’re referring to the Western astrological signs. Regardless of whether you believe in them or not, they’re a huge part of our culture. Some simply see them as an interesting pastime, a way to relate to and connect with others, while others genuinely believe in their ability to foretell the future. Even those critical of zodiac signs can’t help but admit they somehow manage to have a hold on society. Just searching up the words “western zodiac” on Google brings up about 32.7 million results. Yet just as fascinating is another system of astrology: The Chinese Zodiac.
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So what exactly is the Chinese zodiac?
Much like the Western Zodiac, it is comprised of 12 “signs” or symbols that are used to predict a variety of things, such as personality, compatibility in relationships, and luck, based on the positioning of stars, constellations, planets, and the sun and the moon. However, unlike the Western Zodiac, where the signs are divided within a year and have varied symbols, as cited in the article “Chinese Zodiac” by Fefe Ho on chinesenewyear.net, Chinese Zodiac signs are based on a 12-year cycle and are all represented using animals; those signs are the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog, and the pig. Though it originated in China and is referred to as the “Chinese Zodiac,” it is popular throughout many Asian countries and cultures, and while not as prominent in the “west,” it also has its place in many people’s lives. |
Where does the Chinese Zodiac come from?
As one might expect, the true origin of the Chinese Zodiac is largely unknown, with different sources citing different information. For example, according to the article on chinesenewyear.net, the astrological system originates from the Qin Dynasty, which was over 2,000 years ago. However, Lisa Chiu’s ThoughtCo article “The Origin of the Chinese Zodiac” notes that artifacts from as early as the Warring States Period (475-221 BCE) show imagery of the zodiac sign animals. Even though the exact origin isn’t known, it’s true that the Chinese Zodiac has been a large part of Chinese culture for hundreds if not thousands of years.
As one might expect, the true origin of the Chinese Zodiac is largely unknown, with different sources citing different information. For example, according to the article on chinesenewyear.net, the astrological system originates from the Qin Dynasty, which was over 2,000 years ago. However, Lisa Chiu’s ThoughtCo article “The Origin of the Chinese Zodiac” notes that artifacts from as early as the Warring States Period (475-221 BCE) show imagery of the zodiac sign animals. Even though the exact origin isn’t known, it’s true that the Chinese Zodiac has been a large part of Chinese culture for hundreds if not thousands of years.
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Why are they in that order?
The real origins of the Chinese Zodiac may not be known, but that doesn’t mean it lacks an origin story. The animals that the zodiac consists of as well as their order come down to the tale of a race started by a great god. The story, as told by BBC Bitesize article “How the creatures in the Chinese Zodiac found their place,” explains: It all began when the Jade Emperor, one of the most prominent gods in Chinese mythology, summoned all animals to a race (or as I know it, a banquet) and said that their order of arrival will determine their placement in the zodiac. The path was long and included a river which all had to travel across. The first two places were the rat and the ox in that order: the sly rat convinced the ox to let it ride on its head across the river but then betrayed the ox at the last moment by swiftly moving ahead of it. The tiger was close, but despite its might, wasn’t as sturdy as the ox, and ended up third. The rabbit had a similar story to the tiger, struggling to get across the river after finding itself on a floating log; luckily, it was helped by a mysterious stranger who kindly blew him to shore. |
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Meanwhile, the dragon, who could’ve easily flown to the finish line, stopped to save some villagers by putting out a fire they were nearly caught in; however, its altruism didn’t stop there, as the dragon also stopped to help the rabbit, thus securing fifth place. Next were the snake and horse, whose circumstance was similar to that of the rat and ox: the snake secretly coiled itself around the horse and slithered to sixth at the last moment, scaring the horse who then came in seventh. Eight, ninth, and tenth were the goat, monkey, and rooster respectively, who worked together to build and pilot a raft that would get them across the river. The last two, the dog and the pig, took their places for a reason: the dog got distracted playing in the river, and the pig who felt hungry while on its way, stopped for some food and fell asleep, barely managing to come in last place. Though the story may differ depending on who tells it, the order never differs and aside from the details, the animals remain fairly consistent. Finding new retellings is always fun, adding a sense of richness to the Chinese Zodiac.
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The Tragedy of the Cat
One might wonder why there is no cat zodiac since cats have historically had mythological and/or supernatural significance. Well, according to the BBC Bitesize article, the cat, knowing it had a hard time getting up in the mornings, asked its friend the rat to wake it up for the race; however, the rat “forgot” to wake it up in its “excitement,” thus leading to the cat missing the race. Yet as I know it, the rat purposefully told the cat the banquet was the day after it really was and deliberately did not wake the cat up for the race as it wanted to reduce its competition, thus leaving the cat in the dust (even though they were supposed to be best friends). This is why cats now love to chase around and eat rats. |
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Characteristics of the Signs
As previously mentioned, each Chinese Zodiac predicts certain personality traits of those with the sign. Though the Chinese Zodiac is extremely vast, containing innumerable factors depending not only on what year one is born, here are some basic traits of each zodiac sign as described in the article “Chinese Zodiac” by Fefe Ho: The Rat- Those born in the year of the rat are “organized,” frugal, “sensitive,” discerning, and successful when taking risks. The Ox- Those born in the year of the ox are hard-working, “quiet,” resilient, “patient,” reserved, and responsible, yet explosive when angry. The Tiger- Those born in the year of the tiger are “independent,” reckless, just, persevering, confident, protective, and great leaders. The Rabbit- Those born in the year of the rabbit are “gentle, quiet, and polite,” “patient, intelligent, and chic,” scrupulous, responsible, and serious about love. |
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The Dragon- Those born in the year of the dragon are adventurous, romantic, “mysterious,” “indifferent” to the concerns of most people, and “lazy,” yet “ambitious and vigorous” when they set their minds to something.
The Snake- Those born in the year of the snake are idealistic, dedicated, tenacious, lazy, possessive, and, though they appear “cold,” are “warm and enthusiastic.”
The Horse- Those born in the year of the horse are persistent, “positive and energetic,” indiscreet, quick to lose interest, and constantly seeking freedom of self-expression.
The Goat- Those born in the year of the goat are “pure and kind,” patient, persuasive, stubborn, unlikely to voice their true opinions, and adept at utilizing “soft power” for their benefit.
The Monkey- Those born in the year of the monkey are energetic, curious, friendly, loyal, weak to children, and lazy when they don’t care for something yet passionate and driven when they do.
The Rooster- Those born in the year of the rooster are emotionally intelligent, intuitive, “cunning,” “creative,” artistic, organized, prudent, quick to react, and “great friends.”
The Dog- Those born in the year of the dog are “conservative”, loyal, just, obedient, dutiful, honorable, and prudent.
The Pig- Those born in the year of the pig are logical, “kind,” temperamental, problem-solvers, inarticulate, good providers, and often rich
The Snake- Those born in the year of the snake are idealistic, dedicated, tenacious, lazy, possessive, and, though they appear “cold,” are “warm and enthusiastic.”
The Horse- Those born in the year of the horse are persistent, “positive and energetic,” indiscreet, quick to lose interest, and constantly seeking freedom of self-expression.
The Goat- Those born in the year of the goat are “pure and kind,” patient, persuasive, stubborn, unlikely to voice their true opinions, and adept at utilizing “soft power” for their benefit.
The Monkey- Those born in the year of the monkey are energetic, curious, friendly, loyal, weak to children, and lazy when they don’t care for something yet passionate and driven when they do.
The Rooster- Those born in the year of the rooster are emotionally intelligent, intuitive, “cunning,” “creative,” artistic, organized, prudent, quick to react, and “great friends.”
The Dog- Those born in the year of the dog are “conservative”, loyal, just, obedient, dutiful, honorable, and prudent.
The Pig- Those born in the year of the pig are logical, “kind,” temperamental, problem-solvers, inarticulate, good providers, and often rich
This only scratches the surface of the rich tapestry of the Chinese Zodiac. The website chinesenewyear.net has multiple articles about the zodiac, including articles on each zodiac sign and explanations as to how the zodiac is “calculated.” However, it isn’t the only comprehensive source of the Chinese zodiac; there are likely thousands if not millions of resources on it, both online and in traditional print media. Lack of belief in the zodiac doesn’t have to take away its charm. Regardless of whoever or whatever you may be, there's no doubt that the Chinese zodiac is an intriguing and fascinating piece of Chinese culture. All you have to do is have an open mind.
Works Cited
Chiu, Lisa. “The Origin of the Chinese Zodiac.” ThoughtCo. 21 July 2019. www.thoughtco.com/origins-of-the-chinese-zodiac-687597.
Ho, Fefe. “Chinese Zodiac.” Chinese New Year. 2021. Wasai LLC. chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/.
“How the Creatures in the Chinese Zodiac Found Their Place.” BBC Bitesize. 9 Feb 2021. www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zd9nd6f.
Chiu, Lisa. “The Origin of the Chinese Zodiac.” ThoughtCo. 21 July 2019. www.thoughtco.com/origins-of-the-chinese-zodiac-687597.
Ho, Fefe. “Chinese Zodiac.” Chinese New Year. 2021. Wasai LLC. chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/.
“How the Creatures in the Chinese Zodiac Found Their Place.” BBC Bitesize. 9 Feb 2021. www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zd9nd6f.
