Chinese zodiac facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chinese zodiac
Chinese	生肖
Hanyu Pinyin	shēngxiào
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin shēngxiào Bopomofo ㄕㄥ ㄒㄧㄠˋ Gwoyeu Romatzyh shengshiaw Wade–Giles sheng1-hsiao4 IPA [ʂə́ŋ.ɕi̯âu̯] Wu Romanization sen平-siau去 Hakka Romanization sensiau Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization sāangchiu IPA [sáːŋ.tsʰīːu] Jyutping saang1 ciu3 Southern Min Hokkien POJ singsiàu Eastern Min Fuzhou BUC săng-ngá
Alternative Chinese name
Simplified Chinese	属相
Traditional Chinese	屬相
Hanyu Pinyin	shǔxiàng
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin shǔxiàng Bopomofo ㄕㄨˇ ㄒㄧㄤˋ Gwoyeu Romatzyh shuushianq Wade–Giles shu3-hsiang4 IPA [ʂù.ɕi̯âŋ] Wu Romanization zoh入-sian平 Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization suhkseung IPA [sòk̚.sœ̄ːŋ] Jyutping suk6 soeng3 Southern Min Hokkien POJ sio̍ksiùnn

The Chinese zodiac is a traditional system from China. It uses the Chinese calendar to give an animal and its special traits to each year. This happens in a repeating cycle of twelve years. The zodiac is very important in traditional Chinese culture. It shows ideas from Chinese philosophy and culture. Many people in China believe that a person's personality is linked to their zodiac animal. This system is still popular in many East Asian and Southeast Asian countries. These include Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Thailand.

The Chinese zodiac is a bit like the Western zodiac. Both systems divide time into twelve parts. Most of these parts are named after animals. They are also used to guess a person's personality or what might happen in their life. The 12 Chinese zodiac animals are not just for years. They are also thought to affect people's personalities, jobs, friendships, marriages, and luck.

For when a zodiac year starts, there are two main ideas in Chinese astrology. One is the Chinese New Year. The other is the start of spring.

History of the Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac became an important part of Chinese culture during the Han dynasty. This was a time when the twelve-year animal cycle was officially set up. It became part of a system for keeping track of time. This system combined the twelve Earthly Branches (地支) with the ten Heavenly Stems (天干). Together, they made a bigger 60-year cycle. Each Earthly Branch was linked to one of the twelve zodiac animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

One popular legend says that the Jade Emperor held a race. He wanted to decide which animals would be part of the calendar. The rat won the race. So, it got the first year in the 12-year cycle. The other animals were placed in the order they finished.

Zodiac Animals

A stone carving of the Chinese zodiac.

Tang dynasty era ceramic figurines of calendar animals, from left to right: Tiger-headed, Dragon-headed, Snake-headed, Monkey-headed and Rooster-headed. Musée Cernuschi

The zodiac in tradition starts with the Rat. Below are the twelve zodiac signs in order. Each has its own traits. These include its Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branch, yin/yang force, Trine, and nature element. The idea that everyone and every animal has a role fits with Confucian beliefs. These beliefs are about a society where everyone has their place. Just like Confucian beliefs are still around today, so is the use of the zodiac.

In Chinese astrology, the animal signs for your birth year show how others see you. Many people think these year signs are the only ones. But there are also animal signs for your birth month (called "inner animals"). There are signs for your birth day (called "true animals"). And there are signs for your birth hour (called "secret animals").

Chinese Calendar and Zodiac Years

Zodiac Years and Your Age

The year you are born tells you about your family and how you relate to society. You can also guess someone's age using their zodiac sign. For example, if someone was born in the year of the Tiger, they were 12, 24, 36, or 48 years old in 2022 (a Tiger year). In 2023 (a Rabbit year), that person was one year older.

The table below shows the 60-year cycle. It matches up to the Gregorian calendar from 1924 to 2043. The sexagenary cycle starts around February 4, which is the beginning of spring.

Animal Trines

The Chinese zodiac has groups of three animals called "trines." These groups are linked to ancient Chinese ideas about the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). Each trine has a special element and a pattern from the sky. This shows how astronomy and philosophy are combined in the zodiac system.

First Trine

The first trine includes the Rat, Dragon, and Monkey. These three signs are seen as strong and powerful. They are linked to the element of water. They are thought to be great leaders but can also be surprising. These animals are smart, good at adapting, generous, and charming. They are also confident, good at speaking, and artistic. However, they can sometimes be tricky, jealous, selfish, or aggressive.

Second Trine

The second trine includes the Ox, Snake, and Rooster. These three signs are known for being patient and working hard. They are linked to the element of metal. They are careful planners but can be stubborn. These animals are smart, hard-working, humble, and loyal. They are also thoughtful, patient, kind, and honest. But they can sometimes be self-centered, proud, or narrow-minded.

Third Trine

The third trine includes the Tiger, Horse, and Dog. These three signs are linked to the element of fire. They are said to look for true love and help others. They are also independent but can act without thinking. These animals are active, excited, and honest. They are also loyal and protective. However, they can sometimes be quick to act, rebellious, or stubborn.

Fourth Trine

The fourth trine includes the Rabbit, Goat, and Pig. These three signs are linked to the element of wood. They are known for being calm and sensible. They enjoy beauty, are artistic, and kind. But they can also be distant or give up easily. These animals are caring, helpful, and understanding. They are also creative, polite, and careful. However, they can sometimes be naive, insecure, or pessimistic.

These trines are not just symbols. They show how ancient people understood the cycles of the universe. The trines are also connected to seasons and directions. For example, the Wood element's trine is linked to spring and the east. This means new beginnings and growth. This connection helped guide farming and traditions. It kept people in harmony with nature.

The lunar calendar is also linked to the zodiac signs. This shows how important the moon's movements were in daily life. Lunar times decided when holidays and farming events happened. This connected sky watching to cultural traditions. It showed how ancient China saw the world. Timekeeping was not just practical. It was a way to balance the universe and society.

Compatibility

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility-Conflict-Harm Grid in accordance to one's nature, characteristics, and elements

The Chinese zodiac uses the ancient Five Elements Theory. Each Chinese sign is linked to one of these five elements. These elements interact with each other in different ways. This is thought to be a basic rule for how things change in the universe. People born under different animal signs are believed to have different personalities. People who study Chinese astrology use these details to give advice about life, love, and marriage. A common way to check zodiac compatibility is with a chart. This chart shows how each zodiac sign gets along with others. For example, signs that are compatible might have similar values. Signs that are not compatible might have different personalities.

Origin Stories

Many stories and fables explain how the zodiac began. Since the Han dynasty, the twelve Earthly Branches have been used to mark the time of day. But for fun and ease, they were replaced by the twelve animals. A mnemonic (a memory trick) helps remember why each animal is linked to its time.

Each Earthly Branch can mean a two-hour period. For example, 馬 mǎ (Horse) means noon, and also the time from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The Great Race

This image depicts a scene from "The Great Race" folk story, in which the Ox carries the Rat across the river.

An old folktale called "The Great Race" explains how the zodiac animals were chosen. The Jade Emperor said that the years on the calendar would be named after the animals. The order would be based on when they reached him. To get there, the animals had to cross a river.

The Cat and the Rat were not good swimmers. But they were both very smart. They decided the best way to cross the river was to ride on the back of the Ox. The Ox was kind and agreed to carry them both. As the Ox was almost at the other side, the Rat pushed the Cat into the water. Then, the Rat jumped off the Ox and ran to the Jade Emperor. The Rat was named the first animal of the zodiac. The Ox had to be second.

The third animal to arrive was the Tiger. Even though it was strong, it told the Jade Emperor that the river currents were very strong.

Suddenly, a "thump" sound meant the Rabbit had arrived. It explained how it crossed the river: by jumping from one stone to another. Halfway, it thought it would lose. But it was lucky to grab a floating log that carried it to shore. Because of this, it became the fourth animal.

In fifth place was the flying Dragon. The Jade Emperor wondered why such a fast, flying creature wasn't first. The Dragon explained it had to stop to bring rain to a village. Then, on its way, it saw the Rabbit holding onto a log. So, it helped the Rabbit by blowing a puff of breath to push it to shore. The Jade Emperor was amazed by the Dragon's kindness. It was named the fifth animal.

As soon as the Dragon arrived, a galloping sound was heard. The Horse appeared. Hidden on the Horse's hoof was the Snake. The Snake's sudden appearance scared the Horse, making it fall back. This gave the Snake the sixth spot, and the Horse placed seventh.

After a while, the Goat, Monkey, and Rooster came to the river. The Rooster found a raft. The Monkey and Goat worked together to clear weeds. With their teamwork, they reached the other side. The Jade Emperor was happy with their cooperation. He named the Goat as the eighth animal, followed by the Monkey, and then the Rooster.

The eleventh animal was the Dog. Even though it should have been a great swimmer, it spent its time playing in the river. It said it needed a good bath after a long trip. It almost didn't make it to the finish line.

Just as the Jade Emperor was about to end the race, an "oink" was heard. It was the Pig. The Pig got hungry during the race. So, it stopped, ate something, and then fell asleep. After waking up, it finished the race in twelfth place. This made it the last animal to arrive.

The Cat eventually drowned and did not become part of the zodiac. It is said that this is why cats hate water. It is also why the Cat and Rat are rivals, because the Rat pushed the Cat into the river.

Variations of the Story

Another version of the story says the Rat tricked the Ox. The Rat promised to sing for the Ox if it carried it across the river. But then the Rat jumped off at the finish line to win. Another story says the Rat tricked the Cat by hiding on the Dog's back. The Dog was too focused to notice. The Cat tried to attack the Rat but accidentally hurt the Dog. This is said to explain why cats and rats fight, and also why dogs and cats fight.

In Chinese mythology, a story says the Cat was tricked by the Rat and couldn't go to a special banquet. This is why the Cat is not in the Chinese zodiac.

In Buddhist legend, Gautama Buddha called all animals to him before he left Earth. Only twelve animals came to say goodbye. To thank them, he named a year after each animal in the order they arrived.

Adaptations in Other Cultures

The Chinese zodiac signs are also used by other cultures. For example, they often appear on Korean New Year and Japanese New Year cards and stamps. The United States Postal Service and other countries' postal services release a "Year of the ____" stamp each year. This honors the Chinese heritage.

The zodiac is widely used in business. For example, at Chinese New Year markets, you can find many zodiac-related items. These include crafts, toys, books, and paintings. There are also Chinese lunar coins that show zodiac animals. These coins inspired the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins. Other countries like Australia, South Korea, and Mongolia also have similar coins.

The Chinese zodiac is also used in some Asian countries that were influenced by China. However, some of the animals in the zodiac might be different in each country.

Asian Zodiac Variations

The Korean zodiac uses the Sheep (yang) instead of the Goat. The word yang can mean any goat-like animal.

The Japanese zodiac uses the Sheep (hitsuji) instead of the Goat. It also uses the Wild boar (inoshishi) instead of the Pig. Since 1873, the Japanese celebrate New Year on January 1st, like in the Gregorian calendar.

The Vietnamese zodiac is different from the Chinese zodiac. The second animal is the Water Buffalo instead of the Ox. The fourth animal is the Cat instead of the Rabbit.

The Cambodian zodiac is almost the same as the Chinese one. But the dragon can be replaced with the Neak (nāga), a Cambodian sea snake. Sheep and Goat can also be used interchangeably. The Cambodian New Year is in April, not January or February.

The Cham zodiac uses the same order as the Chinese zodiac. But it replaces the Monkey with the turtle (called kra).

Similarly, the Malay zodiac replaces the Rabbit with the mousedeer (pelanduk). It replaces the Pig with the tortoise (kura or kura-kura). The Dragon (Loong) is often seen as a nāga. But it is sometimes called Big Snake (ular besar). The Snake sign is called Second Snake (ular sani).

The Thai zodiac includes a nāga instead of the Dragon. It starts either on the first day of the fifth month in the Thai lunar calendar, or during the Songkran New Year festival (April 13–15). Historically, the Lan Na Kingdom (in Northern Thailand) used an elephant instead of a pig. Modern Thai people use the pig again. But its name, กุน (gu̜n), still comes from the word for elephant in the zodiac.

The Gurung zodiac in Nepal uses a Cow instead of an Ox. It has a Cat instead of a Rabbit. It uses an Eagle instead of a Dragon. It has a Bird instead of a Rooster. And it uses a Deer instead of a Pig.

The Bulgar calendar from the 2nd century also used a similar sixty-year cycle with twelve animal-named years.

The Old Mongol calendar uses the Mouse, Ox, Leopard, Hare, Crocodile, Serpent, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Hen, Dog, and Hog.

The Tibetan calendar replaces the Rooster with the bird.

The Volga Bulgars, Kazars and other Turkic peoples changed some animals to local ones. They used Leopard (instead of Tiger), Fish or Crocodile (instead of Dragon), Hedgehog (instead of Monkey), Elephant (instead of Pig), and Camel (instead of Rat/Mouse).

In the Persian version, brought by Mongols, the Chinese word lóng (Dragon) was translated as nahang. This meant "water beast" and could be any dangerous water animal. In the 20th century, nahang mostly means Whale. So, the Whale replaced the Dragon in the Persian zodiac.

In the traditional Kazakh version (Kazakh: мүшел, müşel), the Dragon is replaced by a snail (Kazakh: ұлу, ulw). The Tiger is a leopard (Kazakh: барыс, barıs).

In the Kyrgyz version (Kyrgyz: мүчөл, müçöl), the words for Dragon (Kyrgyz: улуу, uluu), Monkey (Kyrgyz: мечин, meçin), and Tiger (Kyrgyz: барс, bars) are only found in zodiac names. Other animals include Mouse, Cow, Rabbit, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Chicken, Dog, and Wild boar.

In the Turkish version, the animals are mostly the same. But it replaces Tiger with Leopard (Pars), Dragon with Fish (Balık), and Goat with Sheep (Koyun). The zodiac continued to be used even during the Ottoman Empire. It included the Pig (Domuz), even though it goes against Islamic rules.

English Names for Zodiac Animals

Sometimes, when Chinese animal names are translated into English, there can be some confusion. This is because some of the animals in the English words didn't exist in ancient China. For example:

• The term 鼠 Rat can also mean Mouse. This is because there aren't separate words for these two types of animals in Chinese. However, Rat is the most common translation.
• The term 牛 Ox can also mean other types of Cattle (like a male Bull or a female Cow) or Buffalo. But Ox is the most common translation.
• The term 卯 Rabbit can also mean Hare. The Chinese words don't tell the difference between these two animals. Since hares are from China and most of Asia, and rabbits are not, Hare might be more accurate. But in everyday English, Rabbit can include hares too.
• The term 蛇 Snake can also be translated as Serpent. This refers to a large type of snake and acts the same way. But this word is not used very often.
• The term 羊 Goat can also mean other types of Sheep (like a male Ram or a female Ewe). But Goat is the most common translation.
• The term 雞 Rooster can also mean Chicken or the female Hen. But Rooster is the most common translation in English-speaking countries.

Images for kids

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  A chart indicating good and bad bloodletting days and when to guard against demons.

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  Soyombo and several Buddhist, Tengrist, and Chinese zodiac symbols in a wall mosaic.

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  Twelve Chinese zodiac jade figurines. Capital Museum, Beijing, China.

See also

• Astrology and science
• Chinese spiritual world concepts