What Are the Chinese New Year Animals?
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is celebrated by Chinese people all over the world. The Chinese zodiac is a centuries-old calendar comprised of twelve annual cycles, and each of these cycles is associated with its own specific animal. The Chinese New Year Animals are a very important part of the celebration and of the Chinese culture itself. They are used to symbolize good luck, wisdom and strength. In this article, we are going to explore what the twelve Chinese New Year Animals are and some of their meanings and symbolism.
What is the Chinese Zodiac?
The Chinese Zodiac is a 12-year cycle of different animal signs. It revolves around a Chinese lunar calendar, and it was originally created to help people in being aware of the changes in the seasons and in the weather. However, the Chinese zodiac became much more widespread and popular due to its special use in astrology. As the Chinese zodiac rotates through each of the twelve animals in its cycle, each year is represented by one of those animals.
The 12 Animals in the Chinese Zodiac
The twelve animals that make up the Chinese Zodiac are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. It is important to note that the order of these animals usually follows the order of the Chinese Lunar calendar ¬– not the twelve months in our Gregorian calendar.
- Rat
The rat is the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac, and this animal has very positive connotations in Chinese culture. Rats are often seen as a symbol of wealth and surplus, due to their tendency to steal and thus, always have a plentiful amount of food.
- Ox
The ox is the second animal in the Chinese zodiac, and this animal is associated with hard work, success and patience in Chinese culture. People born in the year of the ox are known as hardworking, helpful and agreeable.
- Tiger
The tiger is the third animal in the Chinese zodiac, and it is seen as a symbol of courage, strength and good luck. People born in the year of the tiger are known to be brave, powerful and assertive.
- Rabbit
The rabbit is the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac and is associated with longevity, skill, intelligence and kindness. People born in the year of the rabbit are known to be wise, gentle and kind-hearted.
- Dragon
The dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and it is a particularly potent symbol in Chinese culture. Dragons are seen as a symbol of power, wealth, strength, freedom and nobility. People born in the year of the dragon are believed to be ambitious, strong-willed and daring.
- Snake
The snake is the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and it is associated with wisdom, intelligence, cunning and charm. People born in the year of the snake are known to be wise, articulate and perceptive.
- Horse
The horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac and it is a particularly lucky sign. It is believed that horses bring good luck, wealth and success. People born in the year of the horse are known to be spirited, strong and independent.
- Goat
The goat is the eighth animal in the Chinese zodiac and it is associated with good fortune and luck. People born in the year of the goat are seen as gentle, peaceful, calm and thoughtful.
- Monkey
The monkey is the ninth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and it is seen as a symbol of cleverness, intelligence and versatility. People born in the year of the monkey are known to be curious, talkative and mischievous.
- Rooster
The rooster is the tenth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and it is associated with observant, hardworking and loyal characters. People born in the year of the rooster are believed to be observant, outgoing and ambitious.
- Dog
The dog is the eleventh animal in the Chinese zodiac, and it is seen as an animal of loyalty, honesty and faithfulness. People born in the year of the dog are known to be kind, social and honest.
- Pig
The pig is the twelfth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and it is associated with wealth, luck, prosperity and relaxation. People born in the year of the pig are known to be generous, indulgent and sincere.
The Meanings of the Chinese New Year Animals
Each of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals is associated with its own meanings and symbolism. The Chinese zodiac animals have traditionally been used to symbolize luck, fortune, health, safety and happiness. Here is a summary of what each of the twelve animals is said to represent:
• Rat – Wealth, Surplus, Intelligence
• Ox – Hard Work, Success, Patience
• Tiger – Courage, Strength, Good Luck
• Rabbit – Longevity, Skill, Intelligence
• Dragon – Power, Wealth, Strength, Freedom
• Snake – Wisdom, Intelligence, Cunning
• Horse – Good Luck, Wealth, Success
• Goat – Good Fortune, Luckiness
• Monkey – Cleverness, Intelligence, Versatility
• Rooster – Observant, Hardworking, Loyal
• Dog – Loyalty, Honesty, Faithfulness
• Pig – Wealth, Luck, Prosperity, Relaxation
Significance of the Chinese New Year Animals
The Chinese New Year Animals are believed to have a big influence on the fate and fortune of those born in the each year, as well as being a source of strength, inspiration and protection. The traditional beliefs associated with the Chinese Zodiac animals are still prevalent today, and for many Chinese people, the animals of the Chinese zodiac can be thought of as guardians of positive energy and luck.
The Meanings of the Chinese New Year Animals Exalt
Each of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac has been designated with an exaltation, which is the ability to help to enhance and amplify the qualities associated with a certain sign, as well as helping to reduce the less attractive qualities associated with that same sign.
For example, the Rat can be exalted by the Horse, which is said to help to boost the Rats intellect, ambition and determination.
The Ox is said to benefit from the Goat’s exaltation, which helps to reduce the Ox’s stubbornness and helps to promote its generous and empathetic nature.
The Tiger can be exaltated by the Pig, which helps the Tiger to be free from stress and worries, and helps to promote the qualities of loyalty and courage.
The Rabbit can be exaltated by the Dog, which helps the Rabbit to become more sociable and outgoing, helping to reduce its introverted nature.
The Dragon can be exaltated by the Rooster, which helps to encourage the Dragons strength and drive, helping to reduce unproductive behavior.
The Snake can be exaltated by the Monkey, which helps to bring out the Snakes cunning and intelligence, as well as reducing its secretive and jealous behavior.
The Horse can be exaltated by the Rat, which helps the Horse to become more reliable and dependable.
The Goat can be exaltated by the Ox, which helps to reduce the Goat’s vanity and materialism, and helps to bring out its noble and generous side.
The Monkey can be exaltated by the Snake, which helps to reduce the Monkey’s mischief and helps to bring out its intellectual and wise side.
The Rooster can be exaltated by the Dragon, which helps the Rooster to use its keen intellect more wisely, helping to reduce its unproductive worrying.
The Dog can be exaltated by the Rabbit, which helps the Dog to remain loyal, courageous and focused.
Finally, the Pig can be exaltated by the Tiger, which helps the Pig to be more patient, pragmatic and wise with its decisions.
The Chinese New Year Animals are a vital part of Chinese culture and tradition. It is believed that each of the twelve animals brings its own luck, fortune, health and protection to those born in that year, as well as having its own meaning and symbolism. It is also important to note that the twelve animals can be further enhanced and amplified through the idea of exaltation – each animal can help to enhance the qualities of the one before it, while reducing the less desirable qualities associated with it. So whether you were born in the year of the Rat or the year of the Pig, the Chinese New Year Animals play an important role in your life, and it is important to appreciate the significance that they hold.
