Chinese zodiac signs: what are their characteristics
"Western astrology is known, at least in part, by everyone. There are those who believe more, some less, but everyone knows their zodiac sign and knows some general characteristics that it presents. Our signs of the Zodiac are based on the four natural elements, Fire, Earth, Air and Water, are twelve and affect, approximately, one month of the year each. The Chinese horoscope, on the other hand, develops on the basis of the lunar cycles and each year, which begins between January and February, corresponds to a single sign, according to a very particular "origin and theory.
Before going on to discover everything there is to know about the Chinese horoscope and its zodiac signs, let's review the main characteristics of those of Western astrology. Will there be any similarities?
The origins
The story of the birth of the Chinese zodiac signs is unique, with a veil of legend and mystery that makes it very interesting. In reality, there are two versions of the origins of the Chinese horoscope. The first one sees Buddha as the protagonist, who, having understood that he must now leave the Earth, decided to gather all species of animals to greet them one last time. Not all terrestrial animals showed up at that appointment, but only twelve: the first to arrive was the Rat and last the Pig. To show his gratitude for their faithfulness, Buddha attributed each lunar cycle to one of those animals.
According to the other story, the Chinese horoscope would be linked to the emperor Jade, ruler of Heaven and Earth, who one day visited the Earth, being impressed by some animal species, so much so that he decided to take some away with him. The legend narrates that the Cat was never seen by the emperor, because he was not informed of his arrival by the Rat. Once the deception was discovered, the feline became angry with the rodent. Thus, the rivalry between cat and mouse was born.
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The signs of the Chinese zodiac
As already mentioned, the Chinese zodiac signs are also twelve, just like our Westerners. Their order within the horoscope is by no means random. In fact, it is determined by the principle of alternation of Yin and Yang, based on the number of fingers and legs of the animals. If the number is even, then the animal belongs to Yang, if, however, it is odd it belongs to Yin. The animals of the Chinese zodiac are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster , Dog and Pig Here are their characteristics.
Mouse
The Rat is a symbol of cunning, speed and success. Those born under this sign are particularly wary and shrewd, but also determined and precise in their work. They reach the limit of perfection, but they are also endowed with great intelligence. Finally, while being very mischievous, they are extremely loyal in love, as well as being romantic and passionate.
Affinity: Ox, Monkey and Dragon.
Ox
The Ox (Buffalo) is the animal that best represents patience and industriousness. A hard worker, strong and tireless, the Ox remembers a lot in our sign of Taurus. He is reliable and calm, but determined to accomplish his goals, so much so that he hates being hindered. People who belong to this sign are honest and sincere.
Affinity: Mouse, Monkey and Rooster.
Tiger
Courageous, self-confident and determined, those born under the sign of the Tiger have an impetuous and often authoritarian nature. They are determined and constantly positive and this leads them to be able to accomplish their goals in the best way. In love, the Tiger turns out to be one of the most passionate and romantic Chinese signs, but woe to disappoint them ... in that case pride and coldness will prevail.
Affinity: Dragon, Horse and Pig.
Rabbit
Also known as the Hare, the Rabbit is a symbol of altruism and generosity. Those born under this sign are characterized by a visceral love for the family, as well as for their partner and friends. This makes them sentimental, as well as kind and responsible. However, they can be overly negative, pessimistic, and their continued affection could "suffocate" their partner.
Affinity: Mouse, Dog, Goat, Monkey, Pig.
Dragon
Those born in the year of the Dragon are undoubtedly confident and intelligent, always ready to get involved in order to achieve their goals. On the other hand, however, it is a very authoritarian and quite selfish sign, because plan his personal well-being rather than that of others. In love, he is passionate and "conqueror", willing to take the first step.
Affinity: Mouse, Tiger and Snake.
Snake
The Snake is a symbol of beauty and charm. He is an animal who makes intuition and wisdom two of his main qualities. He is taciturn, shy and silent, also tending to avoid situations of sentimental and love ties. However, if and when he finds the right person, he reveals himself to be a partner faithful and possessive.
Affinity: Buffalo, Dragon and Rooster.
Horse
Lively and energetic, the sign of the Horse stands out for its sociability and for its being engaging. He loves to have fun and entertain others, which is why he is often found in the company of other people so much that he seems too eccentric. On the other hand, those born in the year of this animal are available, stubborn but also face periods of insecurity, so they need loved ones by their side.
Affinity: Tiger, Goat and Pig.
Goat
The Goat (or Sheep) is the true emblem of calmness and kindness. This tender and peaceful disposition means that she needs loyal people and that we know how to support her throughout life. For this, in love he needs a faithful partner, because he hates betrayal and would not be able to forgive one. People of this sign tend to doubt their abilities.
Affinity: Rabbit, Horse, Monkey and Pig.
Ape
Dynamic and lively, the people of the year of the Monkey cannot go unnoticed. They are curious, always on the move, full of energy and love to travel, to know new things and places. In love, those born under this sign often focus on seduction and prefer get a lot of experience before they find a steady partner, but when they find it it will be forever.
Affinity: Ox, Rabbit and Goat.
rooster
The Rooster is the symbol of eccentricity. Those born under this sign are intuitive and intelligent, constantly looking to find a good solution to all their ideas, even if at times they become indolent and leave them in the middle. They tend to surround themselves only with faithful friends, but often sins of short temper, resulting aggressive and presumptuous.
Affinity: Ox, Dragon and Snake.
Dog
The Dog sign is famous for the protection it offers, especially to the weakest. In addition, he appears to be faithful and loyal, making honesty one of his cornerstones. At first glance, he may seem closed and distrustful: this is because he is very insecure. He must establish a serious relationship in order to open up: only in this way, he will reveal his lovable disposition.
Affinity: Mouse, Rabbit and Pig.
Pig
Kind and helpful with others, those born under the sign of the Pig are very attached to family and friends, constantly striving for the well-being of others. They have a strong organizational capacity, which allows them to carry out multiple projects and conclude them in the best possible way. They are stubborn and can get angry right away, given their lack of patience. In love, they are faithful and sincere.
Affinity: Tiger, Rabbit, Horse and Goat.
What's your Chinese zodiac sign?
Unlike the signs of Western astrology, the Chinese ones are based on the year of birth and the Chinese lunar calendar. For this reason, those born between January and February will have to pay close attention since the beginning and end of the solar years in China do not coincide with those of our tradition. Below we report the twelve signs of the zodiac with the corresponding years, but we recommend consulting a Chinese calendar to verify the exact beginning of each year:
- Mouse: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936
- Ox: 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937
- Tiger: 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938
- Rabbit: 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939
- Dragon: 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940
- Snake: 2025 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941
- Horse: 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942
- Goat: 2027, 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943
- Monkey: 2028, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944
- Rooster: 2029, 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945
- Dog: 2030, 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946
- Pig: 2031, 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947
