Chinese Zodiac HistoryAries, Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer are not the only astrological beliefs that people follow, as exploring the Chinese zodiac history will reveal. Just as the ram, scorpion, fish, and crab represent the signs of one of the most well known of zodiac systems, the Chinese also rely on animal signs to signify their 12-year cycle used for dating the years. While Westerners rely on a linear concept of time, it is a cyclical concept that the Chinese follow – all based upon the different cycles of the moon. When taking a look at the Chinese calendar, you will find that the beginning of the year lands between late January and the early part of February. While the Western calendar has found a place in China since 1911, the lunar calendar associated with the Chinese zodiac still plays a significant role in festive celebrations, such as the well-known Chinese New Year. Each year associated with the Chinese zodiac history is paired with an animal name or "sign" that follows a repeating cycle featuring the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. According to Chinese folklore, horoscopes were created around these animal signs, but used in slightly different ways. For example, some people used a Chinese horoscope to predict that a child born in let's say the Year of the Horse would display a joyful disposition and become popular amongst their peers. The primary aim of Chinese horoscopes are viewed as amusement and do not hold the same meaning like the way Westerners view their zodiac signs. Chinese zodiac history shows that the Rat is the first animal of the cycle and usually represents an individual who is ambitious, honest, and aggressive. Those born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, and 2008 fall under this animal sign. The last sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle is the Pig, which is associated with people who are typically deemed honest, sincere, impulsive, and short-tempered. Leave The Chinese Zodiac History Page To Go To The Home Page |