Discover the meanings behind the 12 Zodiac signs
According to creativeartsguild.org, each Chinese Zodiac animal is believed to represent distinct personality traits such as the Rat’s cleverness or the Horse’s leadership shaping the characteristics of those born under its sign. These zodiac animals repeat in a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with a specific animal, the website information says.
History of the Chinese Zodiac Signs
Although there is no clear history of where the Chinese Zodiac Signs originated from, Britannica says it can be traced to the Warring States period (475-221 BCE) or the Qin and Han dynasties.
There is also a popular legend about the Chinese Zodiac Signs, Britannica says. Legend says the Jade emperor initiated a race inviting all animals to participate. The first 12 to cross the finish line across the river would earn their places in the calendar according to the order they finished the race in.
According to Britannica encyclopedia, the first to cross the river was the rat. It used the ox as its ride before jumping off at the last second to win the race. The ox came in second followed by the tiger, the rabbit and the dragon. The dragon could’ve easily won the race, but according to some versions of the story, the dragon flew to save villagers from a fire. The snake came next, followed by the horse. The sheep, monkey and rooster came all together helping each other get across the river. The dog nearly came in last after playing in the river and the pig came in last because it stopped to eat and rest along the way.
Also known as Shengxiao meaning “born resembling,” the Chinese Zodiac is a cycle repeating every 12 years, says Britannica.