He made the straightforward ox carry him on condition that he sang for the ox. In order not to fall behind them, he thought up a good idea. On the way, he encountered the tiger, ox, horse, and other animals that ran much faster. However, on the morning when he got up, he was too excited to recall his promise, and went directly to the gathering place. When they heard of this news, the cat said to the rat: 'We should arrive early to sign up, but I usually get up late.' The rat then promised to awaken his friend and go together. At that time, the cat and the rat were good friends and neighbors. The Jade Emperor (The Emperor in Heaven in Chinese folklore) ordered that animals would be designated as calendar signs and the twelve that arrived first would be selected. This is the most widespread legend about Chinese zodiac. Finally, the pig appeared and is listed last because the pig feasted and rested half-way through the race. The dog made it too, but decided a bath was more important than the position which is why it came in eleventh. The sheep, monkey and rooster helped one another across and earned their spots on the calendar as well. At the last minute the snake jumped out and scared the horse into seventh place. A snake hid in the hoof of the horse which is how it managed to make it across the river. The tiger, also being strong, came in third, followed by the rabbit that jumped his way across and was helped during the last stretch by the dragon.

The buffalo came in second and became the second animal listed on the Chinese Zodiac. Just before the buffalo reached the shore, the rat jumped off the buffalo’s back and crossed the finish line first. It hitched a ride on what it perceived was the mightiest swimmer, the Water Buffalo (aka Ox). Although it seems unlikely that such a small animal could win such a strenuous race, Chinese Zodiac legends and mythology explains that the rat used his brain rather than his brawn. The first animal to make it across the finish line was the rat. The first 12 animals to cross the river would appear on the Chinese Zodiac calendar in the order in which they completed the race. The prize was a coveted position on the Chinese Zodiac calendar. The most well-known of the Chinese zodiac legends states that Buddha invited the animals to participate in a race. Their appearance on the Chinese Zodiac is the topic of countless legends and is deeply embedded in Chinese mythology.

The 12 animals that appear on the Chinese Zodiac calendar include a rat, buffalo (ox), tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. When the cycle is complete, it begins anew, with animals representing each year in the same order. For example, 1984 was the Year of the Rat, and 1999 the Year of the Rabbit. The Chinese zodiac is based on a twelve- year cycle, with each year named after one of twelve animals. Last year, New Year events in the Chinese capital of Beijing as well as Shanghai and Hong Kong were canceled in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.The Chinese Zodiac Calendar, the Shēngxiào, and its Mythology. In the U.S., the Chinese embassy has announced virtual celebrations will be held across its social media platforms and other media channels from February 6 to 11. In addition to China, the lunar new year is also observed in other Asian countries, such as South Korea and parts of southeast Asia.Ĭhinese New Year celebrations also take place outside Asia, including in various parts of the U.S., often in the form of elaborate parades and other festivities.Īmid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many celebrations this year have been moved online. Some historical figures and celebrities born in a previous Year of the Ox include: In Chinese culture, the ox is valued for its role in agriculture and is attributed positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest. Ox people have a great deal of common sense.' They are serious, quiet and not naturally sociable, which can make them dull. Although they do not lose their temper easily their anger can become explosive and impulsive. 'They believe strongly in themselves, but are also stubborn and hate to fail or be challenged. Although they say little they can be very opinionated. They are also calm, patient, methodical and can be trusted. The museum notes: 'People born in the Year of the Ox are strong, reliable, fair and conscientious, inspiring confidence in others. Xi Jinping Orders New Year Military Readiness as Chinese Jets Skirt TaiwanĮach animal is associated with certain characteristics, which some believe are also exhibited by people born that year.'Pokémon Go' Lunar New Year Event: Start Time, Research Tasks and More.China Claimed 'Victory' Over Coronavirus.

Chinese lunar new year animals