There was a point in my life that I loved astrology. I loved reading about astrological signs, related personality traits and of course predictions of the day, month or year ahead. Although I do not read up on it quiet so often anymore I do genuinely enjoy it and found when researching for this article that once I started I just could not stop. Hope you’ll enjoy a brief look at the Chinese Zodiac Signs and of course the predictions for the year of the Monkey!
February 8th marked Chinese New Year as well as the beginning of a new Chinese zodiac, the Monkey. It is believed that like the traits of the monkey the year will be generally characterized to unveil that way too. Monkeys are considered to be smart, mischievous and impulsive. It is thought that the year will be fast changing for that reason and decisions in regards to finances, career, business and relationships should be taken with caution.
The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12 year cycle according to the Chinese Lunar calendar, each of the 12 years are represented by an animal. There are many varying tales as to why and how these mythical animals became part of the zodiac. Here’s a brief synopsis of one:
“The tale usually begins with the Jade Emperor (or Buddha), who summoned
all the animals of the universe for a race. The 12 animals of the zodiac all headed
to the palace. The order that they came in determined the order of the zodiac.
During the journey, however, the animals got involved in everything from high
jinx to heroism. For example the rat, who won the race, only did so through
guile and trickery: it jumped onto the back of the ox and won by a nose.
The snake, apparently also a little sneaky, hid on the hoof of a horse in order to
cross a river. When they got to the other side, it scared the horse and beat it in
the contest. The dragon however, proved to be honorable and altruistic. By all
accounts the dragon would have won the race as it could fly, but it had stopped
to help villagers caught in a flooding river cross safely, or it stopped to assist the
rabbit in crossing the river.”1
The order of the Chinese zodiac resulted in the following order.
Rat
Ox
Tiger
Rabbit
Dragon
Snake
Horse
Sheep
Monkey
Rooster
Dog
Pig
To read the full version of the story http://www.topmarks.co.uk/ChineseNewYear/ZodiacStory.aspx
It is also believed that the zodiac sign one is born under influences their personality, determines their strengths as well as their weaknesses. Find out what your sign tells you about yourself. Have fun and find out a little more about yourself. Enjoy! http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/
References
- http://chineseculture.about.com/od/chinesefestivals/a/Chinese-Zodiac-Sign-Find-Your-Chinese-Zodiac-Sign.htm
- http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/
Leave a Reply