A HiStory of the Chinese Zodiac

Almost everyone knows that there are twelve zodiac signs in the Chinese astrology, namely rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. However, the history of the Chinese zodiac signs, i.e. how they came into existence, is still unknown to the majority. Actually, there is an interesting legend that explains the full story behind the history and origin of the Chinese Zodiac. The most popular legend surrounding the origin of Chinese zodiac goes that Jade Emperor decided to hold a swimming race in order to select the animals that were to be taken in the zodiac. Cat and rat were the worst swimmers amongst all the animals. They hatched a plan and decided to cross the river on the back of the ox. Since ox was a naïve and kind animal, he agreed to carry both of them across the river. Just as they were about to reach the shore, rat, in order to ensure his victory, pushed the cat into the river. It is said since this incident, the cat became a sworn enemy of the rat. It has never forgiven rat and even hates water. The moment ox crossed the river; rat jumped in front of him and reached the shore first. Thus, rat got the first position in the Chinese Zodiac. Just behind rat came the ox, which was then given the second place in the list of zodiac signs. The third animal to cross the river was tiger, the most powerful of all the animals. He explained that the heavy currents of the river, which were pushing him downstream, were responsible for the delay. Just as tiger was named as the third animal of the zodiac, the Emperor heard a thumping sound, which seemed to be coming from a distance. The sound was followed by the arrival of the rabbit. Rabbit explained that in the beginning, he tried to cross the river by jumping from one stone to another. However, after reaching midway, the stones almost came to an end and he was on the verge of losing the race. Suddenly a floating log came by and climbing on it, rabbit reached the shore. With this, the rabbit got the fourth place in the zodiac cycle. The fifth animal to reach the shore was the dragon. Even though dragon was a strong and flying creature, he could not come in the first place. The reason was that dragon had stopped on the way to help all the people and creatures of the earth by making rain. Then, when he was just about to reach the shore, he saw a little rabbit hanging on to a log. So, the dragon helped the rat in reaching the shore by moving his log with a puff of breath. Pleased with the good deeds of the dragon, the Emperor granted him the fifth position in the zodiac. Hardly had this been done that a galloping sound was heard by everyone. With this, the horse appeared on the shore. The snake had hidden himself on the hoof of the horse and suddenly emerged on shore. The sudden appearance frightened the horse a little and he fell back. So, the snake was given the sixth place in the zodiac and the horse, the seventh. Some time later, ram, monkey and rooster reached the shore together. They told the Emperor that the three of them had helped each other in crossing the river. The rooster had spotted a raft and took monkey and ram with him. Then, ram and monkey had cleared the weeds and pulled the raft to the shore. Delighted with their combined efforts, the Emperor gave all of them a place in the zodiac. Ram was named as the eighth animal of the zodiac, monkey as the ninth and rooster as the tenth. Even though Dog was the best swimmer amongst all the animals, he was the eleventh animal to reach the shore. He explained that he was in dire need of a good bath and the clean and fresh water of the river came across as a big temptation. He got late because of the leisurely bath and was on the verge of losing his place in the zodiac. However, he got the eleventh position in the zodiac list. The Emperor was about to end the competition when the pig emerged yelping and squealing from the river. He had gotten hungry on the way and stopped for having a lavish meal. Then, he had fallen asleep, because of which he was late. Since the pig reached atleast before the closure of the competition, he was named as the twelfth animal of the zodiac. The cat was the last animal to reach the shore. Since he had finished too late (thirteenth number), he did not win any place in the calendar. From that time onwards, he vowed to be the worst enemy of the rat forever. There are a number of variations to this legend. One variation of the story tells us that initially the cattle were invited to take part in the race. However, they nominated a water buffalo to represent them, since he was more skilled at swimming. The representative was accepted as both of them belonged to the bovine category. Another version lengthens the race beyond the mere crossing of the river. This version has the route running through a forest, over ranges of plains and grasslands, along a stream and through a lake, before coming to the destination town. Then, we have one more version that talks about two different races. The first race involved the participation of all the animals in two divisions. The participants were divided in order to prevent the fast animals from dominating the top positions. First six animals crossing the race in each of the divisions competed against each other in the second race. The second race decided which animal would be placed on what position in the zodiac. In yet another version, the sort of competition was changed altogether. As per this version, each animal was invited to talk in front of the other animals. He then had to give valid reasons as to why he should be given the top position in the Zodiac. Another version tells us that cat was informally given the 13th month of the zodiac calendar. Since, thirteen is considered as an unlucky number, cats are considered a bad omen. The last variation of the story is that dog and the wild boar were the last ones to complete the competition and almost lost their place. This is why, despite their differences, they share mutual warmth.

Year of the Dragon

                                                                

THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON, 2012

01/23/2012 - 02/09/2013 (Water)

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, which begins on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013.  The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 Animal signs.  The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend.  In ancient China, the celestial Dragon represents an emperor and  power. Today, it  is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness.   May the celestial Dragon bring great good luck to everyone.

In Sung Dynasty (a Chinese imperial dynasty lasting from AD 960 - 1279) texts, the dragon is described as having the head of an ox, muzzle of a donkey, eyes of a shrimp, horns of a deer, body of a serpent covered with fish scales, and feet of a phoenix.  The dragon usually clutches a pearl symbolic of its super-natural powers.  Invariably accompanied by thunder and rain, dragons move like lightning and whirlwinds - - all powerful yet totally unpredictable.

The Sign of the Dragon

People born in the Year of the Dragon share certain characteristics:  Innovative, enterprising,  self-assured, brave, passionate, conceited, and quick-tempered. The Dragons are the free spirits of the Chinese Zodiac. Restrictions blow out their creative spark that is ready to flame into life.  So, they must be free and uninhibited.  The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colorful and flamboyant.  An extroverted bundle of energy, gifted and  irrepressible, everything Dragons do is on a grand scale - big ideas and extreme ambitions.  However, this behavior is natural and isn't meant for show.  Because they are confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. 

People born in the Year of the Dragon usually make it to the top.  But, they must be aware of that too much enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled.  They find pleasure in helping others, and you can always count on their help.  Even though they are willing to assist when necessary, their pride can often impede them from accepting the same kind of help from others.  Their generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart.  Their self-sufficiency can mean that they have no need for close bonds with other people.

Dragon people tend to take thrilling risks, and burn the candle at both ends so they are fortunate to be blessed with good health.  However, they can suffer bad health as a result of excess stress.  Symtoms of their personalities often stem from emotional outbursts and can range from tension headaches to depression to hypertension.  They can remedy these problems by maintaining their cool, implementing a routine in their daily lives, and practice meditation, Tai Chi or Yoga that soothe the mind and spirit as well as tone the body.

The Dragon is not the most domesticated of the Animal signs.  So, people born in the Year of the Dragon  prefer enjoying outdoor activities rather than staying at home.  They are extroverts who have a deep love for nature. Their homes should be as large and majestic as their personalities, providing space for the fiery temperament or emotional eruptions that accompany their character. They have true and sincere love, which comes from the depths of their hearts.

Dragon people are quite imaginative, always able to see new paths and will take a radical approach.  They have innate explorative spirit and  try to succeed at one stroke. They are very adaptable and are fit for various occupations, especially if those occupations allow them to take the limelight. They work hard, but would rather give orders than receive them.  They should avoid jobs that encompass too much routine, and should move toward jobs in which their self-reliance can be an asset.

People born in the Year of the Dragon like to spend money and are charitable themselves as well as with others.  Many Dragon people will take big chances with their finances.  It is very rare that  they remain poor for long.  They will always be straightforward in financial dealings and can always be trusted. 

Dragon Years:  02/19/1904 to 02/03/1905 (Wood), 02/03/1916 to 01/22/1917 (Fire), 01/23/1928 to 02/09/1929 (Earth), 02/08/1940 to 01/26/1941 (Metal), 01/27/1952 to 02/13/1953 (Water), 02/13/1964 to 02/01/1965 (Wood), 01/31/1976 to 02/17/1977 (Fire), 02/17/1988 to 02/05/1989 (Earth), 02/05/2000 to 01/23/2001 (Metal), 01/23/2012 to 02/09/2013 (Water).


Famous Dragon People: Ringo Starr, Edward Heath, Dr. Seuss, John Lennon, Harold Wilson, Helen Keller, Pearl S. Buck, Salvador Dali, Francois Mitterrand, Hosni Mubarek, Maya Angelou.

The Dragon's Den