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By Resie Caith Vinluan | Feature Correspondents
Chinese culture's influence is like a wave that touches a lot of shores in the world. The religion they share, foods that land on every tongue, and the beliefs that many of the population follows. One of the common influences of Chinese culture is the animal sign. In the circle, there are a total of 12 animals that represent each year. Presents are, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The zodiac is a cycle and repeated every 12 years with the same animals. It depends on what year of the person's birth. Each animal is said to give insight into what can happen during the present year. Chinese astrology believes that in this way, people can predict their personality, career, money, love, their strength and weaknesses, and even the signs they are compatible with.
In Chinese zodiac history, there are many legends and mythology related to this and there are different stories and versions in regions. The most well-known is the great race that tells how the animals gained their position. The story starts with the race organized by the Jade Emperor —one of the most important gods in Chinese traditional religion who invited all the animals to take part. Twelve species turned up at the start line. As a gift for turning up, the Emperor will name the year in each one, while the race would determine the order of animals' place.
There is a huge river which every creature, large or small, had to cross. The competitive rat made sure to win the race and played a little trick. The rat persuades the kind ox to let it sit on its head as it crosses the course. When they were almost at the finish line, the rat jumped to victory, leaving the ox not far behind. That's how the rat stands first followed by the ox. The tiger later followed while the rabbit got tired but managed to save itself on a floating log and ended up as fourth. At the time the dragon, taking its path through the course, saw the rabbit struggling, the dragon used its breath to blow the creature safely and it finished behind the rabbit. The horse wasn't far from the sixth place when it didn't notice that the snake wrapped itself to its leg. The snake took sixth place followed by the horse. Next up were the sheep, monkey and rooster. The three piloted a small raft which would see them across the river safely and made a history of teamwork. The sheep was first, then the monkey, last among them was the rooster. The dog chose to be playful and was more interested in splashing on the water rather than taking the race seriously. That leaves the dog at 11th place. The pig stopped for food and dozed off. It woke up after a while and managed to take the last place.
Every animal represents and says a lot about a person who was born that year. Those people born in the year of the rat say that they are great detectives. They are quick movers and thinkers that can sum up a situation easily. Their awareness in terms of danger is incomparable that makes them escape danger quickly. Rats also have amazing memories and are excellent at keeping their own secrets but they use other's weaknesses or mistakes for their own gain. They can gather information very easily because they are good at putting their ears on other people's business. But they are hard working and great at holding money.
The ox represents an incredible mental and emotional strength, physical, and stamina. They have a strong determination that once they put their mind to something, they will never quit on it. Those born in the year of ox are calm and have high moral character. They say what they mean and they mean what they say. They also have a photographic memory and things not easily swept away from their life. People in the year of ox have a lot of patience and are always away from anger but when the fire starts to take place, run.
Tiger years have an endless energy so they are always at the action. Tiger is known for its power and believed to be good at guarding against any danger. A great sense of humor is also one of their abilities and can be quite affectionate. They crave attention and thrive to be the center. However, they are generous and always willing to share what they have. The challenge of their personality is being reckless, their egos need constant feeding. Lastly, they put a lot of effort in terms of revenge and it will be legendary.
Those born in the year of the rabbit are believed to be one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese zodiac. They don't want anything to stand in the way and are always finding ways to move ahead. The animal is also a seeker for peace and would do anything to avoid conflicts. On the other side of the window, people in this year are self-centered who don't think twice to eliminate people who put them in a bad light. They are good at destroying their nemesis.
Dragons are the guardians of wealth and power. The Chinese sign has courage and confidence. People born in this year are inspired by their own fantastical ambitions and dreams. They do not have the power to cover most of them and can be read like an open book. When angry, the sign is capable of burning every land on Earth but doesn't stay in that situation long and is likely to be the one to heal your wounds after making a rain of fire.
The Chinese zodiac snake is probably the most feared, mystical, and mysterious. Their emotions seem to run so deep. They think as much as the bottom of the sea, they are constantly thinking, plotting, and calculating. They will rarely share their thoughts. According to Chinese Astrology, snakes can be ruthless and relentless. But snakes are reliable and loyal 'til death as long as they are not betrayed.
In the Chinese symbols, the horse represents freedom of the mind, body, and soul. Those people who were born in the year of the horse are high-spirited, always on the move and have freedom to run around. The sign is also extremely athletic and can learn skills easily. Their personality is warm, engaging, and trustworthy. Though they are open-minded, they can also be small-minded and immature. Horses also focus a lot on themselves.
In Chinese sign, sheep are symbolic of peace, altruism, and purity of heart. Those born in the year of sheep are such gentle creatures. For they are being pictured as weak, opponents often have their eyes on them. This sign is a social creature but doesn't like to be the center of attention. Sheeps will do anything to avoid conflict and are more likely to gather others to do the battle in their stand.
In the Chinese symbols, the monkey is best known for sense of humor and high IQ. They are charming and can turn a ghost town into a party place. Monkeys thrive on competition. Their confidence is strongly developed that if someone attacks them, it simply goes in one ear and out to another. They believe that they deserve more than others because they have an ability everyone wants to have.
Those born in the year of the rooster are big dreamers, big talkers, and big doers. Their dreams are so large and progressive. This sign possesses an incredible brave spirit and isn't afraid to take the risk with full confidence. Their vision of perfection is a state where they will work hard and tirelessly to achieve their wildest dream. Receiving attention from everyone is also one of their things. On the other side of the paper, roosters are always attentive to those in need and they are always willing to give hand to others. Roosters can be egomaniacs who have little and no regard for others feelings.
Dogs in the Chinese symbol, often put everyone else's needs ahead of their own. People who are born in this year are the ultimate protectors. They can sense danger easily and can decide instantly whether a person is a friend or not, if the situation is bad or good. Their observations are usually on point. They have a transparent personality, are warm, intelligent, and generous. They believe that everyone should be responsible and honest. For always standing guard, they tend to worry a lot.
The pig has an almost saint-like quality. Those born in this year are kindest m, gentlest, and most selfless. The pig is happiest when they help others. Once they start a work, they will do everything even how long it takes to see the ending point. They love to attend any social events. The Chinese pig is also a natural innocent and can be taken advantage of.
Chinese culture and beliefs clearly influence even on what we are in this world. Realistically, every sign may or may not really match who you are and what you do. The future is unpredictable, as other's capabilities. Every line on the palm is hard to read and understand. But one thing for sure is that everyone lives in this world differently.
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