Chinese Zodiac celebrates 12 animals

While Americans and Europeans traditionally follow the Western Zodiac, which features twelve signs, one representing each month of the year, the Chinese have a different system. Each year is represented by a different animal and those animals rotate in a twelve-year cycle.

On January 22, for example, the Chinese calendar will welcome the Year of the Rabbit. In ancient China, this twelve-year cycle was created in the era of the Shang Dynasty by Emperor Wu of Han. This system, which developed with the 12-hour day cycle and the 12-month year cycle, allowed the members of the ancient culture to honor their gods and their ancestors, focusing on ceremonies and reunions with their family members.

People in China celebrate New Year with fireworks and firecrackers, originally because they believed the loud noises would drive out evil spirits. They also like to decorate everything in red, as this symbolizes joy and good luck, as well as a celebration of vitality. They also dress up as certain creatures, and do traditional dances, according to Britannica.

Each of the 12 zodiac signs represents elements of personality and luck, both good and bad, of the individuals born within that year. More specific details are believed to be specified by the month and time of day a person has been born.

While we are coming into the Year of the Rabbit, the other eleven signs include the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, the Pig, the Rat, and the Tiger. Numerous charts are used to determine relational compatibility, times of good and bad fortune, best careers, and more.

Do you want to know more? Check out China Highlights.