The following story reveals legendary reasons, and some of the characteristics of the 12 animals. The story is widespread (and widely varying) among Chinese. Though it is made up, it might be interesting for you to tell your children and friends. The Heavenly Gate Race Story - Reasons for Zodiac Rankings. Long, long ago, there was no Chinese Chinese New Year and the Zodiacs. Each of these zodiac animals governs a whole year, which starts at Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar. This usually corresponds to January or February in the western calendar. When the current year has the same zodiac animal as the year you were born, you are said to be in Ben Ming Nian. Most of us are familiar with the Chinese Zodiac and how it differs from the Western Zodiac. The Chinese system is based on the lunar calendar and assigns an animal to each year within a 12-year cycle. It is said that people born each year receive some of that year’s animal’s reputed attributes. But where does this belief come from? The Chinese Zodiac Story. The Chinese zodiac story is famous throughout China, taught in schools from a young age. The story begins with the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven, deciding to select twelve animals to represent the years in the Chinese lunar calendar. To determine the order, he announces a race, inviting all creatures to participate. There are many Chinese zodiac stories, and the Great Race of the 12 animals is the most famous one. Ben Ming Nian (Zodiac Year of Birth) Chinese Zodiac Time 'The last year of the zodiac will be named after you.' The Cat Crawls Out of the Water As for the cat who had been pushed into the water by the rat, he finally crawled out of the water but was too late to have a year named after him. Happy Chinese New Year, and welcome the Year of the Fire Monkey! Chinese New Year falls on Monday, February 8th this year, and I thought it would be fun to share the story behind the Chinese zodiac animals. The mythological story is about a great race, during which the order of the 12 zodiac animals was determined. Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the Chinese calendar year, and each year is named after an animal. This tale of the Chinese zodiac is an animal story based on the great race. Add it to your collection of short bedtime stories for kids. Read more: Every Chinese zodiac year from 1900–2031 (full chart and by zodiac sign) Ben Ming Nian (Zodiac Birth Year) Maybe you think your zodiac year, or ben ming nian (本命年), will be lucky. It’s your year after all. However, it’s the total opposite. It’s seen as a hurdle you have jump over. Traditionally, lunar new year is based on the harvest calendar and is also popularly known as Chinese New Year. Not only is it the basis for a different set of festivals and holidays from the western calendar, but there are even different animal signs associated with each year. The Origin of the Chinese Zodiac Zodiac story in English: Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the Chinese calendar year, and each year is named after an animal. This tale of the Chinese zodiac is an animal story based on the great race. Add it to your collection of short bedtime stories for kids. Because the dates of Chinese New Year change every year, individuals born in January or February will need to pay special attention to their birth date in addition to their birth year. Chinese Zodiac Calculator. If you don’t know your Chinese zodiac use our calculator below to quickly find your animal sign by entering your birthday, and be The Lunar New Year has arrived! Find out which animal correlates with you personally. The Chinese zodiac has 12 different animals which include the Dragon, Horse, Goat, Snake, Monkey, Rooster, Dog See also: Top 10 things to avoid on Chinese New Year. Your Ben Ming Nian, or zodiac birth year, is also considered unlucky in Chinese culture, so be prepared to wear the color red (red underwear is a popular choice) throughout your year to ward off any misfortune. Lucky Things. Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9. Lucky colors: Green, Red, Purple The Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang, features 12 animal signs in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. 2025 is the Year of the Snake according to Chinese zodiac, starting from the 2025 Chinese New Year on Jan. 29th and lasting to 2026 Lunar New Year's Eve on Feb. 16. 2026 is the Year of the Horse. Snake is the 6th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Dragon and before the Horse.Recent years of the Snake include 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, and 1941, with the next Snake year in 2025 (Year of the Wood Snake). The Year of the Snake looks promising for Oxen, as you share a harmonious connection with Tai Sui. With excellent opportunities for collaboration, wealth, and personal growth, 2025 is shaping up to be a fruitful year. Your strong interpersonal connections will open doors to new ventures and success. The Chinese lunar new year is here, and 2025 marks the year of the snake. Over 3,500 years old, the Chinese lunar cycle lasts 12 years and is represented by a different animal each year. Story by Soumi Pyne • 9h. E very Lunar New Year brings joy and celebration, Chinese New Year 2025 horoscope predicts luck for 4 Chinese zodiac sign from January 29, 2025. It starts from Chinese New Year. The Chinese zodiac years chart below is provided to help you find out the exact starting and ending dates of the Chinese zodiac years. (This is especially useful for finding the Chinese zodiac signs of people born in January or February.) Content Preview. Chinese Zodiac Years Chart from 1960 to 2031; What is my
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