
Why is Chinese zodiac so Important to the Chinese?Īs an important part of the traditional Chinese Culture, the Chinese Zodiac culture has long been recognized, accepted, taken by consensus and penetrated into the daily lives of the Chinese people. It is a deified animal symbolizing auspicious, omnipotent ability and the loftiest power. Chinese people think they are descendents of the dragon and have a special emotion with it. It is the only fictitious animal in 12 ones. The last group includes one animal - dragon, the traditional mascot of Chinese people. These animals are commonly seen in people’s life and easily remembered and chosen into the 12 animals. Among them, tiger and snake are feared, rat is detested, and rabbit and monkey are loved by the people. They are tiger, rabbit, monkey, rat and snake. The second group is wild animals that are well known by the people and closely related to people’s life. So, due to their importance, these six animals must be chosen in the 12 animals. When the Chinese spring festival comes, people always wish their domestic animals thrive in the coming year. In people’s traditional view, a family will have a flourishing population and live happily if their domestic animals are all thriving. They are raised and trained for economic and other purposes playing important roles in Chinese agriculture. The first group is Chinese six domestic animals: horse, ox, goat, pig, dog and chicken. If you analyze these animals carefully, you can find that they can be divided into three categories: The chosen of 12 animals are greatly related to Chinese people’s daily and social life.

What are symbolic meanings of Chinese Zodiac signs? Pigs are sleeping soundly and growing fast. Roosters return to their coops as it is getting dark.ĭogs are most alert and begin to do their duty to guard houses. Sheep(Goats) eat grass and urinate frequently. Other animals are lying down for a rest, while Horses are still standing. The jade rabbit on the moon is busy pounding medicinal herb according to the tale.ĭragons are hovering in the sky to give rainfall. Tigers are most ferocious and hurt prey more.

Rats are most active during this period in seeking food.
