Animals Of The Chinese New Year

There are many folklore stories about how the Chinese New Year symbols were chosen, but I like this one the best. The Jade Emperor was in Heaven and he invited all the animals to participate in a race. As the race started, the ox was in the lead, being the biggest animal, he had the advantage of the longest stride. He was quite confident as the finish line appeared in front of him. Unbeknownst to the ox, the rat had, at the beginning of the race, jumped on the ox's back. Being so light, the rat rode undetected to the finish line and, at the last possible moment, he jumped off and crossed the finish line just ahead of the ox. Thus, the order of the animals became the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. According to the Chinese legend, those born in the year of a particular animal are endowed with the animal's traits.

I am the Rat! I am also Sagittarius. The Chinese name is Shu, the sign for charm. I am considered a leader if Chinese folklore is to be believed. I, and others born under the sign of the Rat, are smart, magnetic, well liked, affable, quick witted, protective, and calculating. The typical Ox, on the other hand is a tolerant person with a strong character. Oxes are Capricorns. They are also pouty, obstinate, truthful, genuine, and quick tempered. Every other animal of the Chinese New Year has certain traits and characteristics assigned to them. It appears to be the Chinese version of horoscopes or numerology, neither of which I put much stock in.

This year, 2010, is the Year of the Tiger. Tigers are considered brave, courageous, competitive and lucky. Those who were born under the Tiger sign should be looking forward to good fortune this year. The tiger is considered the King of the Jungle in Eastern societies and is admired for the "yin" and "yang" of it's colorful stripes.

Many people believe in horoscopes, whether they be Eastern or Western versions, but I believe that you make your own luck by working hard and being honest. Waiting around for the stars to align or some such nonsense could cause the best opportunities to pass you by. Chinese New Year celebrations can be fun and entertaining, but only if they are not taken seriously.