The Chinese Zodiac, also known as Shengxiao, is an ancient classification scheme that attributes each year to an animal and its reputed attributes according to a repeating 12-year cycle. Here are some detailed aspects:
The origins of the Chinese Zodiac can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). Initially, the zodiac might have been used to keep track of time or for agricultural purposes, but over time, it became intertwined with astrology, mythology, and culture in China. The zodiac was further influenced by Buddhist beliefs and the Yin and Yang philosophy, which are key elements in Chinese cosmology.
The Chinese Zodiac consists of:
Each animal in the Chinese Zodiac is thought to impart specific personality traits, fortune, and compatibility with others:
One popular legend tells of The Great Race, where the Jade Emperor held a race across a river to decide the zodiac order. The cunning Rat rode on the back of the Ox to cross the river, jumping off at the last moment to claim first place, while the Pig, who was distracted, came last, thus determining the sequence of the zodiac animals.
The Chinese Zodiac is used in:
The Chinese Zodiac has spread beyond China, influencing countries like Vietnam, Korea, and Japan, each with their own variations: