Chinese years: discovering the Zodiac in China
Discovering the Chinese Years: reading this article you will discover how the Chinese years are counted and classified and how each year is combined with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, capable of influencing the vices and virtues of the period in question.But before embarking on this adventure, discover a typical Chinese recipe (delicious) to prepare at home without any effort (and success is guaranteed for adults and children!).
The first Chinese zodiac signs and their influence
The Chinese calendar is lunisolar, so it includes elements of both solar and lunar calendars. In 1912 it was abolished. The Chinese New Year begins between January and February, which corresponds to the beginning of Spring. Each year is marked with a zodiac sign. The signs are all associated with animals: mouse, buffalo, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
2021 is the year of the buffalo. As we said, the Chinese zodiac signs are associated with 12 different animals. These signs not only serve as a name for the year, but according to Chinese astrology they influence personality, luck, health, career, affinity of couple and interpersonal relationships. The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are attributed characteristics, vices and virtues proper to the human being, as in ancient fables. The Chinese zodiac sign is established on the basis of the year of birth of the Chinese calendar. The date on which the Chinese New Year falls changes every year, but it always falls between January and February. Obviously if you were born in January or February you have to check in what date was the New Year that year, otherwise you will not be able to calculate your sign in the Chinese Zodiac. The most traditional Chinese families take into account the horoscope to make financial investments, to see the affinity of a couple in the event of a children's marriage or even to give a name to a newborn. These are the characteristics of the signs of the Chinese horoscope.
The sign of the Rat: he is a charismatic leader, charming, passionate, perfectionist and used to command. Rather shrewd, intelligent and ambitious, he loves power and wealth and knows how to get what he wants; he is attractive and likeable to everyone, but he is selective in choosing his friends. He seems a bit calculating, but he is honest in interpersonal relationships and capable of strong feelings.
The sign of the Buffalo (Taurus or Ox). he is the prototype of the leader, of the boss, a reliable worker, not at all narcissistic, who always manages to achieve what he has set for himself with will and fortitude. He is not discouraged by difficulties and never complains. it helps an acute intelligence, which leads him to reflect for a long time on the decisions to be made: for this reason he does not change his mind easily, not out of obstinacy or foolish stubbornness. He can be sociable, expansive, he is honest and not at all greedy. He loves economic security, conquered by working without sparing.
See also: How Do You Live In A Relationship? Find out according to your zodiac sign!
Other signs of the Chinese Zodiac!
The sign of the Tiger: has a charismatic and magnetic look and personality, fascinating and attractive; he is authoritative, sometimes authoritarian, but also very proud, indifferent and aloof when he is irritated. He gains confidence in his safety, but is sometimes aggressive (especially women) and a little too ambitious; he thinks he is always right, he is never willing to change his mind and this certainly harms the romantic relationship.
The sign of the Hare (Rabbit-Cat): has an altruistic character; for this gift he is appreciated and loved by many people; he is romantic, very sentimental, adores his partner, idealizes him and shows a lot of tenderness towards him. He prefers familiar environments and not those frequented by strangers. He doesn't like being away from his family, not even for work. Without his loved ones he feels alone, he is routine, he loves continuity and stability. He is considered an idealist, a dreamer; loves art, likes to fantasize and get away from real life.
The sign of the Dragon: he is a proud, strong person who loves to stand out in the crowd, showing what he can do. He pursues his goals with unwavering tenacity, especially at work; loves to always be at the center of the stage. He often appears too focused on himself, too eccentric and exhibitionist, he takes little account of the opinions of others. In love affairs, he is honest and passionate. He knows how to charm his partner, who must be patient and know how to soften his proud character.
The sign of the Snake: it has a charismatic and bewitching charm. Many are conquered by its timeless beauty, which attracts them with no possibility of escape; it is a sure sign of himself, he takes pleasure in being the center of the interest of others, aware of the attraction it arouses, and loves to be admired. But he is also a generous, wise and intelligent person. If he meets true love, he can be faithful and passionate.
The sign of the Horse: a gritty and dynamic character, intuitive, skilled as a leader of a group; he is happy to always be the protagonist and in reality he is really able to drag others with his enthusiasm; loves to converse for a long time, is also generous with compliments and is at ease in society. He flaunts confidence, even if in dark times he seeks the comfort of friends. Someone bothers so much exuberance and talkativeness, but in reality they are only very sociable, even if at times a little pushy and insistent.
The sign of the Dog: you can count on him; he is trustworthy, honest, sincere, just a good sign. As nature, he is somewhat introverted, he does not settle in and does not integrate into the group except with difficulty, but he does everything to make the people he loves happy. His ethics are very deep, he has a very developed sense of duty. His confidentiality can make it seem. an indifferent type, "who minds his own business", instead he is the first to take the field in defense of those who are succumbing or are in difficulty. Ironic, precise, brilliantly intelligent, self-confident, he fights against all forms of discrimination. He is sincerely attached to others and is reciprocated for his good qualities, including that of wanting to protect the loved one, to whom he is always faithful, and friends.
The sign of the Pig (or Boar): apparently gruff, severe, but in reality sensitive, loyal and correct. He loves his family of origin, his partner, his children and his friends with all of himself. He does everything for them and never disappoints them. He has an excellent ability to concentrate and predisposition for scientific subjects. By nature he is optimistic, he likes good food; at times he is a bit impulsive and impatient. If he is in love, he idealizes his partner, filling him with concern.
The sign of the Goat (or Sheep): he is dynamic and very creative, even if he often does too many projects as an eternal boy and needs someone to guide him to choose the best path; he is gifted with great sensitivity, is affectionate, generous and kind. Demonstrates his shyness in interpersonal relationships, but always reveals himself to be altruistic and this element enriches his charm in the eyes of the partner. He asks those who love honesty and sincerity, because he believes in loyal and lasting relationships, from which he does not feel the need to escape. He does not forgive betrayals of any kind and is very disheartened at the first difficulties if he does not have someone to help him overcome them.
The sign of the Monkey: vital, full of energy, almost hyperactive, tireless, curious, he doesn't know how to sit idle. Even in moments of relaxation, he always finds something to do and to devote himself to with frenetic commitment. He loves having fun in joy and difficulties do not scare him; he is a conqueror, a true seducer, he always lives many love stories before reaching the definitive one. He confides a lot in close friends, appears sociable and cordial, but often because of his impulsiveness he loses his temper for futile reasons.
The sign of the Rooster: he is very vain, impulsive, subject to outbursts of anger, a bit self-centered, he loves being at the center of the scene and enjoys making a thousand projects; he is an active, rational person, he does not get discouraged in the face of difficulties and he manages to achieve his main goals with all means at his disposal, showing talent for business. He loves success, is sincere with friends, who admire him for his fortitude and charm and also because he endeavors to help them in all respects at all times. He never bores his partner, stimulated by his intellectual vivacity.
Pair affinity and compatibility of Chinese zodiac signs
Chinese families who mostly follow ancient traditions consult the zodiac also to find out if there is work compatibility or friendship and couple affinity between two people. They are compatible with the Rat: Buffalo, Dragon, Hare; with the Buffalo: Rat, Monkey, Rooster; with the Tiger: Dragon, Horse, Pig; with the Hare: Mouse, Goat, Dog, Pig, Monkey; with the Dragon: Rat, Tiger, Snake, with the Snake: Dragon, Rooster; with the Horse: Goat, Tiger; with the Goat: Hare, Horse, Pig, with the Monkey: Buffalo, Hare; with the Rooster: Buffalo, Snake; with the Dog: Hare, with the Pig: Goat, Tiger, Hare.
According to a legend, the Buddha, foreseeing the end of his earthly life, called all the animals to him, but only 12 went to him to greet him. To reward them and thank them for their gesture, he established that the following years would bear their name, in the order in which they were presented to him, so that those born in each of those twelve months would have their characteristics and their qualities. Here are some examples of how Chinese New Year dates vary and how the years are cyclically named.
Year of the Rat 1984 (February 2, 1984 to February 19, 1985)
Year of the buffalo 1985 (February 20, 1985 to February 8, 1986)
Year of the Tiger 1986 (February 9, 1986 to January 28, 1987)
Year of the Rabbit 1987 (January 29, 1987 to February 16, 1988)
Year of the Dragon 1988 (February 17, 1988 to February 5, 1989)
Year of the snake 1989 (February 6, 1989 to January 26, 1990)
Year of the horse 1990 (January 27, 1990 to February 14, 1991)
Year of the Goat 1991 (February 15, 1991 to February 3, 1992)
Year of the Monkey 1992 (February 4, 1992 to January 22, 1993)
Year of the Rooster 1993 (January 23, 1993 to February 9, 1994)
Year of the Dog 1994 (February 10, 1994 to January 30, 1995)
Year of the Pig 1995 (January 31, 1995 to February 18, 1996)
Year of the Rat 1996 (February 19, 1996 to February 6, 1997)
The 5 elements and the yin or yang years
This astrology, referring to Chinese philosophy, is also based on a ten-year cycle in which an element corresponds to every two years: Wood, dominated by Jupiter, indicated with the color green; Fire, dominated by red Mars; the Earth, dominated by Saturn of yellow color, Metal or Gold, dominated by Venus with the gray color, Water, dominated by Mercury of blue color. The circle evolves like this: the wood burns and gives life to the fire, whose ashes nourish the earth; the latter contains the metal, which collects water underground, which in turn causes the wood to develop. Another very important cycle of Chinese astrology is that relating to the alternation of yin or yang years.The years of the Rat, the Tiger, the Dragon, the Horse, the Monkey and the Dog are yang years; those of the Buffalo, the Hare, the Snake, the Goat, the Rooster and the Pig are yin years. In Chinese philosophy these terms mean two opposite energies, which complement each other. Yang is bright, positive energy, yin, negative, passive. To make our life balanced it is necessary to create harmony between these two energies, both of which are necessary. A balance must also be achieved between yin and yang foods. Yin foods: fruits, vegetables, seeds, malt, tofu, fruit and natural juices and sugar-free jam; with excess yin: sugar, sweets, alcohol, tea, coffee and spices. Yang foods: whole grains, whole flours, root vegetables, legumes, fish, cheese; with excess yang: red meat, cheese and eggs. The perfect balance of these two energies produces well-being for our body and our spirit.
