The origins of the Chinese zodiac are shrouded in mystery, often explained via folklore and legends. Official accounts state that the zodiac was identified during the Han Dynasty – over 2000 years ago. Regardless of where it all started – the Chinese zodiac and its 12 animal symbols are fascinating.
The unique aspect of the Chinese zodiac is the 12 year repeating cycle. Each of these years corresponds to one of the zodiac animals. Those animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and finally pig. Every Chinese New Year marks the year of one of the zodiac animals. 2018 is in fact the year of the dog.
The 12 zodiac animal symbols were created with the yin and yang principles in mind, therefore harmony and balance are two important aspects of the zodiac. Each animal has an attribute and a saying related to that attribute. However, each animal also has a contrasting partner from the zodiac animals. For example, the tiger and the rabbit. Their attributes namely valor and caution, counteract each other and balance perfectly.
For the unknowing onlooker, one could assume that if a person entered their animal year that they would receive good fortune for that year. In fact, the opposite is true – if a person enters their animal year then they can actually receive bad luck from the God of Age. Playing online slots at bgo is definitely ill advised during your animal year. Unless of course you wear red (a Chinese symbol of fortune) or jewelry made out of jade to ward off the bad luck.
Year long curses aside, it’s time to test your knowledge of the Chinese New Year and the zodiac symbols! Answer them all correctly and you will be crowned the animal zodiac master – you may even come by some good fortune…