In the second part of the series, we take a look at each of the animal on the Chinese Zodiac, what it represents in Chinese mythology, and the years that correspond to each of these animals.
1. Year of the Rat
2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948
The rat is seen as a clever and cunning creature in Chinese culture and is often portrayed with a god as its companion. This symbolises its role as the eyes and ears of heaven on earth.
2. Year of the Ox
2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949
The ox is believed to be trustworthy and loyal. In ancient times, the ox symbolised the turning of the seasons from the yin (autumn) to the yang (spring) at the Chinese New Year. In the imperial religious cycle, it was the ox, the Emperor called on to pull the plough when he turned the first furrow in the Field of Heaven.
3. Year of the Tiger
2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950
In Chinese lore, the tiger is gifted with superior intelligence and greatly admired for its physical strength and beauty. The warriors of ancient China bore an image of a tiger’s head on the belly of their armour. One of the key forces in feng shui is the white tiger, symbolising rivers that flow slowly but can flood dangerously.
Read More: 10 Amazing Animal Facts (Tiger)
4. Year of the Rabbit
2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951
In Chinese culture, the rabbit is a symbol of hope and immortality. It’s also a symbol of the yin (female). It was believed that the moon goddess, Chang’e, had a rabbit as a pet which could be seen from earth at certain times of the year, pounding the elixir of immortality with a pestle and mortar.
Read More: 10 Amazing Animal Facts (Rabbit)
5. Year of the Dragon
2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952
In Chinese mythology, the dragon is a supernatural creature embodying the yang (masculine) and symbolising power, strength and good fortune. The dragon was the chosen symbol of the ancient Chinese Emperors and stands for imperial and hence heavenly power. It’s the symbol of the Chinese nation.
Read More: 10 Amazing Animal Facts (Dragonfly)
6. Year of the Snake
2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953
The snake is associated with the dragon in Chinese mythology and symbolises intelligence, happiness and prosperity. It is also the symbol of the god of the North and of the people of Northern China. It can be associated with danger and is often depicted on swords as a charm to protect against attack.
Read More: 10 Amazing Animal Facts (Rattlesnake)
7. Year of the Horse
2014, 2002. 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954
Real horses have existed in China since ancient times, but the horse of the Chinese zodiac and Chinese mythology is a supernatural creature which often has the ability to fly. One of its roles is to carry the dead to the underworld for judgement.
Read More: 10 Amazing Animal Facts (Horse)
8. Year of the Sheep
2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955
Sheep are believed to embody the yin (female) in Chinese culture and are hence the most feminine of the animals of the zodiac. They symbolise compassion and peace. In the ancient world, no great Chinese festival was complete without the ritual sacrifice of a sheep, as they were seen as messengers to the gods and the divine world.
Read More: 10 Amazing Animal Facts (Sheep)
9. Year of the Monkey
2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956
Monkeys are venerated in Chinese culture and there are many legends of their mischievous adventures. It is believed that monkeys have many skills but because of their erratic nature they need a skilled guide, such as the goddess Guan Yin who’s associated with compassion. In one of the best loved stories in Chinese mythology, the monkey challenges the gods to a cosmic battle and declares himself Great Sage Equal to Heaven.
Read More: 10 Amazing Animal Facts (Monkey)
10. Year of the Rooster
2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957
In Chinese culture the rooster is believed to be a messenger from heaven, the herald of good news, who symbolises trust and honesty. As it crows at daybreak, it’s also seen as symbol of the sun, of moving from darkness to light in a broad sense, and of the Chinese concept of yang (masculine).
11. Year of the Dog
2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946
In Chinese culture the dog is an omen of good fortune and if one wanders into your house it’s seen as a blessing. Dogs are companions to human beings and also to some gods and are thus a symbol of loyalty.
Read More: 10 Amazing Animal Facts (Dog)
12. Year of the Pig
2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947
According to Chinese mythology the pig came last in the race ordered by the Jade Emperor (first god) to determine the order of the animals in the Chinese zodiac, because it stopped to eat and fell asleep. For this reason the pig often represents greed or laziness, but it can also represent abundance and good fortune.
Read More: 10 Amazing Animal Facts (Pig)
Do you know of the animal race, and how the rat played a fast one on the kind ox to come first place? You will find this in the first part of the series by following the link below.
See Also: 2016 is the Chinese Year Of the MONKEY. But Why Are They Named For Animals?
