Welcome to our blog about the amazing animals behind Chinese New Year celebrations! From the dragon to the rat, learn about the symbolic creatures and their importance to this ancient tradition.

Discover the Astounding Animals Behind Chinese New Year Celebrations!

Understanding the Chinese Zodiac

Chinese New Year has been celebrated for centuries, and one of the most important aspects of the festivities is the Chinese zodiac. According to legend, the Jade Emperor chose twelve animals to represent the years, and each year is associated with a particular animal. People born in a particular year are said to share the characteristics of that animal, and the zodiac is used to determine a person's luck and fortune for the upcoming year.

The Rat: Starting the Cycle

The rat is the first animal in the zodiac and is said to be clever and resourceful. People born in the year of the rat are said to have excellent communication skills and are often in positions of power. According to legend, it was the rat who was able to trick the ox into giving him a ride across a river, allowing him to be the first to reach the Jade Emperor and win the race.

The Ox: A Hard Worker

The ox is the second animal in the zodiac and is said to be hardworking and reliable. People born in the year of the ox are said to be patient and persistent, and often achieve great success. According to legend, the ox was supposed to be the first to reach the Jade Emperor, but he was tricked by the rat and ended up in second place.

The Tiger: Fearless and Strong

The tiger is the third animal in the zodiac and is said to be fearless and strong. People born in the year of the tiger are said to be brave and independent, and often find success through their own efforts. According to legend, the tiger was the third to arrive at the Jade Emperor's palace and was rewarded with a place in the zodiac.

The Rabbit: A Clever Strategist

The rabbit is the fourth animal in the zodiac and is said to be clever and strategic. People born in the year of the rabbit are said to be creative and diplomatic, and often find success through their ability to negotiate and problem solve. According to legend, the rabbit was able to outwit the other animals by using his wits to cross the river and arrive at the Jade Emperor's palace in fourth place.

The Dragon: Powerful and Wise

The dragon is the fifth animal in the zodiac and is said to be powerful and wise. People born in the year of the dragon are said to be ambitious and courageous, and often achieve great success in their lives. According to legend, the dragon was able to fly to the Jade Emperor's palace and was rewarded with a place in the zodiac.

The Snake: Intelligent and Insightful

The snake is the sixth animal in the zodiac and is said to be intelligent and insightful. People born in the year of the snake are said to be intuitive and wise, and often find success through their ability to think outside the box. According to legend, the snake was able to sneak into the Jade Emperor's palace and was rewarded with a place in the zodiac.

The Horse: Fast and Free

The horse is the seventh animal in the zodiac and is said to be fast and free. People born in the year of the horse are said to be confident and independent, and often find success through their own efforts. According to legend, the horse was able to outrun the other animals and arrive at the Jade Emperor's palace in seventh place.

The Sheep: Gentle and Caring

The sheep is the eighth animal in the zodiac and is said to be gentle and caring. People born in the year of the sheep are said to be compassionate and affectionate, and often find success through their ability to connect with others. According to legend, the sheep was able to use his gentle nature to win over the other animals and arrive at the Jade Emperor's palace in eighth place.

The Monkey: Playful and Clever

The monkey is the ninth animal in the zodiac and is said to be playful and clever. People born in the year of the monkey are said to be witty and innovative, and often find success through their ability to think outside the box. According to legend, the monkey was able to outsmart the other animals and arrive at the Jade Emperor's palace in ninth place.

The Rooster: Charismatic and Confident

The rooster is the tenth animal in the zodiac and is said to be charismatic and confident. People born in the year of the rooster are said to be outspoken and ambitious, and often find success through their ability to network and lead. According to legend, the rooster was able to convince the other animals to follow him and arrive at the Jade Emperor's palace in tenth place.

The Dog: Loyal and Faithful

The dog is the eleventh animal in the zodiac and is said to be loyal and faithful. People born in the year of the dog are said to be reliable and honest, and often find success through their dedication and hard work. According to legend, the dog was able to help the other animals reach the Jade Emperor's palace and was rewarded with a place in the zodiac.

The Pig: Generous and Honest

The pig is the twelfth animal in the zodiac and is said to be generous and honest. People born in the year of the pig are said to be kind and generous, and often find success through their ability to work hard and stay true to their beliefs. According to legend, the pig was the last to arrive at the Jade Emperor's palace and was rewarded with a place in the zodiac.

Conclusion

Discovering the animals behind the Chinese zodiac can be an exciting and fascinating journey. Each animal is said to have unique characteristics, and understanding these can help us better understand ourselves and those around us. With the Chinese New Year quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to learn more about the animals behind this ancient tradition. For example, if you were born in the year of the dog, you are said to be loyal and faithful—traits that can help you in all areas of your life! No matter what animal you are born in, the Chinese zodiac can be a great source of insight and knowledge. So take the time to learn more about the animals behind the Chinese New Year celebrations and discover the astounding animals that have shaped this ancient tradition.Video The myth behind the Chinese zodiac - Megan Campisi and Pen-Pen Chen
Source: CHANNET YOUTUBE TED-Ed