Chinese zodiac
This page lists of the various symbols in the Chinese zodiac group.
The Shēngxiào (Chinese: 生肖), also known in English as the Chinese zodiac, is a scheme, and a systematic plan of future action, that relates each year to an animal and its reputed attributes, according to a 12-year mathematical cycle. It remains popular in several East Asian countries, such as China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan.
Symbols in this group:
Beckoning Cat
The famous image of the Maneki Neko or “beckoning cat” is an easily recognizable symbol of Chinese and Japanese culture.
Dog (zodiac)
The Dog ( 狗 ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Dog is associated with the earthly branch symbol 戌. The character 狗 refers to the actual animal while 戌 refers to the zodiac animal.
Dragon (zodiac)
The Dragon (simplified Chinese: 龙; traditional Chinese: 龍) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Dragon is associated with the earthly branch symbol 辰.
Dragon.svg
It has been proposed by one academic researcher that the Dragon symbol is actually a scorpion and once symbolized the star Antares
Goat (zodiac)
The Goat ( 羊 ) is the eighth sign of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Goat is associated with the earthly branch symbol 未.
Horse (zodiac)
The Horse (馬 午) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar.
Monkey (zodiac)
The Monkey (猴) is the ninth of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Monkey is associated with the earthly branch symbol 申.
Ox (zodiac)
The Ox ( 牛 ) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Ox is denoted by the earthly branch character 丑. In the Vietnamese zodiac, the water buffalo occupies the position of the Ox.
Pig (zodiac)
The Pig (豬) is the twelfth and the last sign of the Earthly Branches ( 亥). It is characterized as yin so only the negative elements can be attached to it.
Rabbit (zodiac)
The Rabbit ( 兔 ) is the fourth in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Rabbit is associated with the earthly branch symbol 卯.
In the related Vietnamese zodiac, the cat takes the place of the Rabbit.
Rat (Zodiac)
The Rat (wiktionary:大鼠) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar, the Year of the Rat is associated with the earthly branch symbol 子.
Rooster (zodiac)
The Rooster (simplified Chinese: 鸡; traditional Chinese: 雞/鷄)) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Rooster is represented by the earthly branch character 酉.
Snake (zodiac)
The Snake (蛇) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac and related to the Chinese calendar, as well as in related East Asian zodiacal or calendrical systems. The Year of the Snake is associated with the earthly branch symbol 巳.
Tiger (zodiac)
The Tiger ( 虎 ), is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Tiger is associated with the earthly branch symbol 寅.
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