What Are The Chinese Zodiac Signs?

The Chinese zodiac, also known as the twelve zodiac signs, are twelve animals that are matched with the twelve earthly branches according to the year of birth of a person in China, including rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog, and pig. This folk culture has a long history and has profound cultural connotations and symbolic meanings. The following will elaborate on the specific content and origin of the twelve zodiac signs.

1. The specific content of the twelve zodiac signs
   The order of the twelve zodiac signs is fixed, and they correspond to the twelve earthly branches respectively, as follows:

Rat: represents wisdom and wit, and also symbolizes flexibility and diligence.
Ox: represents tenacity and diligence, and also symbolizes stability and loyalty.
Tiger: represents bravery and strength, and is a symbol of strength and confidence.
Rabbit: represents gentleness and kindness, and also symbolizes agility and intelligence.
Dragon: In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of mystery and dignity, representing authority and innovation.
Snake: represents wisdom and calmness, and also symbolizes flexibility and deep thought.
Horse: represents speed and passion, and also symbolizes freedom and bravery.
Sheep: represents gentleness and kindness, and also symbolizes harmony and loyalty.
Monkey: represents wit and curiosity, and is a symbol of flexibility and mischief.
Rooster: represents diligence and punctuality, and also symbolizes auspiciousness and bravery.
Dog: represents loyalty and bravery, and is a symbol of fidelity and friendliness.
Pig: represents diligence and kindness, and also symbolizes happiness and wealth.

2. The origin of the twelve zodiac signs
   There are many theories and legends about the origin of the twelve zodiac signs, but the most widely accepted one is related to animal worship and the ancient calendar system.
3. Animal worship
   The origin of the twelve zodiac signs is closely related to the worship of animals by ancient humans. In ancient society, animals were closely related to human life. Through observation of animals, people discovered their unique habits and characteristics, which led to the worship of animals. This worship psychology gradually evolved into linking animals with human destiny, personality, etc., forming the concept of the twelve zodiac signs.
4. Ancient calendar system
   According to historical records, the origin of the twelve zodiac signs is also related to the calendar system of ancient China. As early as the Western Zhou Dynasty, China had a calendar system that divided the year into twelve periods and used twelve animals as symbols. This calendar system may have been formed based on astronomical observations and agricultural production experience, and was used to guide people in farming activities and daily life. Over time, this calendar system was gradually improved and combined with the twelve earthly branches to form the twelve zodiac signs we are familiar with now.
5. Legends and Stories
   There are many vivid legends and stories about the origin of the twelve zodiac signs. The most famous one is the story of the “Twelve Zodiac Signs Race”. According to legend, Huangdi held an animal race to determine the representative animals of the twelve hours. The participating animals included rats, cows, tigers, rabbits and other twelve species. In the competition, various animals showed their own strengths and wisdom. In the end, the rat won the first place in the competition with wit and flexibility, and became the representative animal of Zishi; while the cow won the second place with diligence and steadiness, and became the representative animal of Choushi… and so on, and finally determined the order and representative meaning of the twelve zodiac signs.
6. Documentary Records
   The earliest complete record of the twelve zodiac signs that is the same as today is “Lun Heng” by Wang Chong of the Eastern Han Dynasty. In this work, Wang Chong describes in detail the correspondence between the twelve zodiac signs and the twelve earthly branches and their respective symbolic meanings. This shows that in the Eastern Han Dynasty, the twelve zodiac signs had formed a complete system and were widely accepted and passed down.

III. The cultural significance of the twelve zodiac signs
As an important part of Chinese traditional culture, the twelve zodiac signs have far-reaching cultural significance. It is not only a way of recording time, but also a folk belief and cultural symbol. In folk culture, the twelve zodiac signs are endowed with rich symbolic meanings and implications, representing people’s different understandings and thoughts on life, nature and society.

1. Timekeeping method
   As a way of recording time, the twelve zodiac signs are simple and easy to remember. In ancient society, people did not have the concept of time in the modern sense, and could only roughly judge the time by observing astronomical and natural phenomena. The twelve zodiac signs provide an intuitive and easy-to-understand way of recording time, allowing people to determine their zodiac signs according to their year of birth, so as to better understand themselves and others.
2. Folk Beliefs
   In folk beliefs, the twelve zodiac signs are endowed with various mysterious powers and meanings. People believe that different zodiac signs represent different personality traits and destiny. Therefore, in terms of marriage, life, and annual fortune, people will pay attention to their zodiac signs and the related taboos. For example, in terms of marriage, people will judge whether they are compatible based on the zodiac signs of both parties; in terms of the year of birth, people will take various measures to avoid evil and ensure safety.
3. Cultural Symbols
   As one of the important symbols of Chinese culture, the twelve zodiac signs are widely used in various cultural and artistic fields. The twelve zodiac signs can be seen in art forms such as painting, sculpture, and calligraphy. In addition, the twelve zodiac signs are often used as one of the elements of decoration and celebration in traditional festivals and celebrations. These art forms not only show the unique charm and rich connotation of the twelve zodiac signs, but also inherit and promote the spirit and value of Chinese traditional culture.

IV. Conclusion
The Chinese zodiac signs are a folk culture with profound cultural connotations and symbolic significance. It originated from the ancient human worship of animals and the development and improvement of the ancient calendar system.