The twelve zodiac animals, also known as the zodiac signs, are the twelve animals in China that are matched with the twelve earthly branches based on the year of human birth, including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog, and pig. The origin of this system can be traced back to the pre Qin period. According to the Qin slips unearthed in Yunmeng Sleeping Tiger Land in Hubei and Fangmatan in Tianshui, Gansu, a relatively complete zodiac system already existed at that time. The earliest surviving document that records the same twelve zodiac animals as today is Wang Chong’s “Lun Heng” from the Eastern Han Dynasty.
Rat: In the selection of the twelve zodiac animals, Rat and Ox are good friends, and they set off together to the Heavenly Palace. On the way, the cunning mouse secretly hid in the cow’s ear. When the cow struggled to reach the Heavenly Palace, the mouse quickly jumped out of the cow’s ear and became the first animal to arrive, thus being selected as the head of the twelve zodiac animals.
Meaning: Quick witted, flexible, and clever.
Cattle: Cattle are widely praised for their diligence and loyalty. In the selection of zodiac animals, although the ox was ahead of the mouse, its hardworking and down-to-earth qualities earned people’s respect, and therefore it was also selected as one of the twelve zodiac animals.
Meaning: Diligence, endurance, down-to-earth.
Tiger: The tiger was not originally brave, but through hard study and cultivation, it eventually became very brave and independent, and was selected as one of the twelve zodiac animals by the Jade Emperor. There is also a legend that tigers are warriors in the mountains and can defeat other animals.
Meaning: Brave and powerful, independent and self reliant.
Rabbit: When selecting zodiac animals, the rabbit did not have transportation, but it made a wheel out of wood and quickly arrived at the Heavenly Palace, demonstrating its wit and courage, and was therefore selected as one of the twelve zodiac animals.
Meaning: Gentle and humble, quick witted and agile.
Dragon: Originally an ordinary farmer, the dragon moved the Rain God with its kindness and diligence, gaining divine power and becoming a sacred animal. When selecting the zodiac animals, the dragon was chosen as the leader of the twelve zodiac animals due to its wisdom and strength (although the rat was the first to arrive in the story, the dragon holds a higher position in traditional culture).
Meaning: Wisdom power, sacred auspiciousness.
Snake: Snakes originally had no venom and were often bullied by other animals. But it found a way to obtain venom through hard work and used it to protect itself and other animals. After learning about it, the Jade Emperor selected it as one of the twelve zodiac animals.
Meaning: calm and composed, self-protection.
Ma: Ma was originally a heavenly horse with wings that could fly. Due to his arrogant and reckless behavior, he was stripped of his wings by the Jade Emperor and pinned down at the foot of Kunlun Mountain. He was rescued by humans and served them for life. He was selected as one of the twelve zodiac animals due to his loyalty and diligence during the selection process.
Meaning: Passionate and free, loyal and hardworking.
Sheep: Sheep is selected as one of the twelve zodiac animals due to its kind heart. Legend has it that a sheep encountered an injured bird and used wool to make a nest to feed it until it recovered, which moved the Jade Emperor.
Meaning: Peace and harmony, kindness and gentleness.
Monkey: In the selection competition for zodiac animals, monkeys use their wisdom and wit to successfully cross the forest and solve problems, becoming one of the twelve zodiac animals.
Meaning: Quick witted and flexible, intelligent and eager to learn.
Rooster: Roosters are selected as one of the twelve zodiac animals by the Jade Emperor to commend their diligence and punctuality in waking up villagers to work on time every day.
Meaning: Diligent, punctual, and responsible.
Dog: Dogs were selected as one of the twelve zodiac animals by the Jade Emperor in recognition of their loyalty and bravery in protecting their owners and driving away thieves.
Meaning: Loyalty, bravery, and guarding one’s home.
Pig: Pig was selected by the Jade Emperor as one of the twelve zodiac animals to recognize its auspicious significance and contribution to people’s good luck, as it is intelligent and can predict future good and bad luck, bringing good luck and harvest to the villagers.
Meaning: Open mindedness, happiness, auspiciousness, and wealth.
The origin of the twelve zodiac signs is closely related to traditional Chinese culture, and each zodiac sign has rich story content and profound meanings behind it. These stories not only showcase the characteristics and qualities of animals, but also reflect the values and life philosophies in traditional Chinese culture. By understanding the origins and stories of the twelve zodiac animals, we can better comprehend and inherit this unique cultural heritage.
