12 sacred animals. Chinese animal horoscope

Niitlagdsen ognoo: 2017-02-14 09:36:00

The Eastern or Chinese calendar consists of five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) and 12 animals (rat, bull, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig). The full cycle of such a calendar is 60 years.

Let's figure it out: Why does each year in the Chinese calendar correspond to a certain animal? Why exactly twelve of them? And why are they arranged in this order?

There are several legends about this:

Legend one

The first legend is about how the Jade Emperor - the supreme deity of the Taoist pantheon, the lord of heaven - chose twelve animals, each of which rules a year once every twelve years.

The Jade Emperor ruled the sky and everything in the heavens. And he never went down to earth, so he was interested in the appearance of all creatures living on earth. One day the emperor summoned his chief adviser.

“I have ruled the heavens for a long time,” the emperor said to the adviser, “but I have never seen these strange animals and I don’t know what they look like.” I would like to know them character traits and properties. I would like to see how they move and hear the sounds they make. How smart are they and how do they help people?

“There are thousands of different creatures on earth,” the adviser answered the emperor, “some of them run, others fly, and others crawl.” It will take a very long time to collect all earthly creatures. Do you really want to see them all?

No, I can't waste that much time. Select twelve of the most interesting animals and bring them to me so that I can sort them by color and shape.

The adviser went through all the animals he knew in his head and decided, first, to invite the rat, but asked her to convey the invitation to her cat friend as well. He also sent invitations to the bull, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster and dog and ordered them to appear before the emperor tomorrow at 6 o'clock in the morning.

The Rat was very flattered by this invitation, she immediately went to convey good news friend's cat. The cat was also very happy, but was worried that at 6 am it was very early and he might oversleep. Therefore, he asked the rat to wake him up in time. All night the rat thought about how cute and sleek the cat was and how ugly she would look in comparison to him in front of the emperor. And she decided that the only way to make sure that the cat didn’t get all the praise was to not wake him up in the morning.

At six o'clock in the morning, all the animals except the cat lined up in front of the Jade Emperor, who began to slowly examine them. Having reached the last animal, he turned to the adviser and said:

All animals are interesting, but why are there only eleven of them?

The adviser could not answer and immediately sent a servant to earth, ordering him to deliver to heaven the first animal that he met. The servant went down the country road and saw a peasant carrying a pig to the market.

Please stop,” the servant begged. - I need your pig. The Jade Emperor wishes to see this creature immediately. Think of the great honor - after all, your pig will appear before the ruler of heaven himself.

The peasant appreciated the servant's words and gave him his pig. And she was immediately taken to heaven.

And at this time the rat, afraid that it would remain unnoticed, jumped on the back of the bull and began to play the flute. The emperor liked this unusual animal so much that he gave him first place. The emperor gave second place to the bull - after all, he was so generous that he allowed the rat to sit on his back. The tiger received third place for his brave appearance, and the rabbit for his gentle appearance. white fur got fourth place. The emperor decided that the dragon looked like a powerful snake with paws, and placed him in fifth place. The snake received sixth place for its flexible body, the horse - seventh for its elegant posture, and the ram - eighth for its strong horns. The agile and restless monkey got ninth place, the rooster got tenth place for its beautiful feathers, and the vigilant guard dog got eleventh place. The pig stood at the end: it may not have been as interesting as the other animals, but it still made it to heaven and was therefore awarded last place.

When the ceremony came to an end, a cat ran into the palace and began to beg the emperor to evaluate him too, but it was too late: the emperor had already chosen twelve animals. Seeing the rat standing in first place, the cat rushed at her with the intention of killing her because she did not wake him up. That is why, to this day, the cat and the rat remain bitter enemies.

Legend two

One day Buddha invited him to his New Year all the animals that inhabit the earth. To those who came first to congratulate him and express their respect, he promised to give a whole year, which will henceforth be called by their names. The mouse was ahead of everyone. A bull came for her, then a tiger, a cat, a dragon, a snake, a horse, a goat, a monkey, a rooster, and a dog. The pig came twelfth. Having received its own year, each animal, as it were, passed on typical traits of its character to it, and man acquired the properties inherent in the animal in whose year he was born.

Legend three

Before Buddha left the Earth, he called all the animals to him to say goodbye to them. But only 12 of them came to this call: the cunning Rat, the diligent Ox, the brave Tiger, the quiet Rabbit, the strong Dragon, the wise Snake, the elegant Horse, the artistic Goat, the quick-witted Monkey, the colorful Rooster and the faithful Dog. The last one to run out into the sacred clearing was the happy Pig. She was a little late, but was not at all embarrassed by this circumstance.

Parting with the animals, the enlightened Buddha gave each of them one year of reign as a sign of gratitude for coming to say goodbye to him.

Animal horoscope - calendar of years by animal

RAT- for those born in the years - 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008.

Being the first of the Chinese Zodiac signs, the Rat signifies the beginning. In the Chinese calendar, the month determined by the sign of the Rat includes the shortest daylight hours. On old Chinese clocks, midnight was indicated by the image of the Rat, which meant the beginning of a new day. The Hour of the Rat, or essentially the double hour, lasts from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Long before the names of animals were used, in China the image of a baby was used to designate the first sign, representing creation, inspiration and the generation of ideas or actions.

Considering that the hour of the rat falls on midnight, someone born under this sign may be a scientist who sits long hours at night reading books. This person is ready to sit at night solving complex problems or riddles until he receives the correct answer. But even if the rat is capable of carrying out complex projects on paper, it tries to evade the practical side of things, often leaving others to bring the work they have started to completion. Such people, although very useful, are unlikely to be able to change their nature.

All representatives of this sign prefer to be at the very beginning of any business, and not at its completion. They are sociable and support each other, are able to lead others in an amazing way and have good connections that allow them to realize their plans.

Due to their poor sense of humor, the Rat is often taken too literally and incorrectly, and as a result, many valuable arguments fail because the Rats are unable to express their point of view in a concise and understandable form. Surprisingly, they have to be blamed for the fact that they are not able to grasp the irony that others sometimes resort to.

As for the ability to manage the family budget, such people sometimes make spontaneous decisions. Of course, they know how to spend money wisely, but with their creative nature, sometimes the emotional principle takes precedence over the rational. From time to time, these people are able to steer the family ship into a safe haven. It takes too much time for the Rats to finally understand that after the well-fed times, hungry years may come, and therefore it is advisable to always have a supply of resources just in case.

Although family bonds and are important for such people, but nevertheless they are not paramount. Having an independent character, they are among those family members who can create their own home away from the place where they previously put down roots. In the event of a domestic conflict, the opinion of the Rats will be the most significant.

Rats are able to choose any career or profession that allows them to use their creative abilities. They easily establish contacts, have the gift of persuasion and, possibly, the gift of manipulating other people. They are also suited to work as teachers or lawyers. Since they prefer freedom of movement and flexible or restricted work schedules, under such conditions they work with special diligence and more productively than if they were forced to work under strict time schedules.

Although these people are not too concerned about their own appearance (they believe that others should see them without it) true essence), Rats, if necessary, can make a good impression with their appearance.

Ideal Partner: The Rat's ideal partner would be either a Dragon or a Monkey: both share the Rat's understanding of the importance of novelty and exoticism. Some Rats may be useful at home, at work or in social life, but since the interests of the Monkey and the Dragon are very similar, they are not able to add anything new to the experience of the Rat. If the Rat wishes to play a secondary role in this relationship (although this is unlikely), then either the Dog or the Tiger may prove a suitable and stimulating partner.

BULL- for those born in the years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009.

IN ANCIENT CHINA, ON A DAY approved by astrologers, the emperor himself personally plowed the first furrow of the year in the arable land with the help of a bull. The annual Chinese almanac always began with a picture of a boy or man standing next to a spring ox, and the choice of this animal can be associated with the end of winter. But since the Ox is the only sign that corresponds to the Ox sign of the Western Zodiac, it is quite possible that Chinese astrologers borrowed this symbol from the West.

People born in the years of the Ox are those who build and develop, bringing everything to perfection. These include individuals who have the gift of foresight and patience necessary to plant an acorn and nurture it until it turns into an oak tree. They do not shy away from routine work and give preference to the proven and long-established rather than the new and uncertain.

Their qualities such as reliability and responsibility have won them many admirers in this hectic and constantly changing world. This allows them to occupy high positions both in the administrative apparatus and in the political sphere. Thanks to the determination difficult situations and the unlikely possibility for the Bulls to deviate from the path they have already chosen, they are able to easily withstand the most serious opponents and opponents. Of course, such inflexibility will certainly also cause them to have enemies, but the latter are unlikely to be able to win and achieve significant success in any competition with the Ox for power. No wonder there is a Chinese proverb that says “one bull can fight two tigers.” It is likely that danger for the Ox may appear completely unexpectedly from a direction from which he does not expect it. A friend who was inadvertently ignored may become offended and even offended and thus become unreliable.

The Ox belongs to the trinity - together with the Rooster and the Snake, which in this combination represents shrewd financiers and investors. But without these two, the Ox prefers to save money rather than invest it. The Ox naturally gravitates towards any professional work connected to the earth. He will be a valuable asset to any organization as through his careful and systematic management the financial position of the company will gradually improve.

Although the Ox may give the impression of a sedate and formally official person, in the depths of his heart there lives a traditionally romantic streak, which can only manifest itself in an intimate circle of friends and relatives. The Bull carefully hides his love for beautiful things in literature and art, and individual manifestations, bursts of internal culture often surprise people who thought that they knew all aspects of the Bull’s character well.

The Bull tries to show that he is not particularly interested in fashion issues, but at the same time he is always dressed according to the moment, preferring a classic style that is unlikely to be out of place.

Ideal partner:

Most likely, the Bull will choose a partner who is close to his production environment, but only in another neighboring department. It may be a Rooster from the world of trade or a Snake from among lawyers. Despite their opposing views, the Ox and the Rooster are attracted to each other like a magnet, and a strong bond is established between them; The Ox is attracted by the appearance of the Rooster and his demeanor; as for the Rooster, he likes the honesty and unpretentiousness of the Ox. Likewise, the similarity in mental and physical qualities of Ox and Snake also makes them an ideal match.

TIGER- for those born in the years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.

ON THE FOREHEAD OF THE TIGER there is a Chinese character "wang" meaning "king" and proving beyond any doubt that the Tiger (in China) is the king of all wild animals. That is why, when ancient Chinese astrologers were looking for a suitable animal to represent the important first month of the Chinese year, their choice fell on the Royal Tiger.

Royalty symbolizes luxury and dominance, so people born under the sign of the Tiger exude confidence. They resolutely refuse to accept the possibility that they could be worse than others. Of course they understand that, whatever their fears or apprehensions or reluctance, it is their duty to take responsibility, become leaders and in this role fulfill their responsibilities, no matter what it costs them - persistent whether labor, money or influence. The Tiger will always strive to take a leadership position. Even calm and modest Tigers will still strive to achieve a privileged position that will allow them to quietly participate in making any decisions - regardless of their significance. Most Tigers are destined to achieve top positions. Of course, on this path they will have opponents and they should remember that success always causes envy and anger in others. In an effort to break into the upper echelons of power, the Tiger must be careful, otherwise he may be thrown off track.

The tiger always awaits retribution, which is next to him. In the Chinese calendar, the Ox signifies the end of the old year, and the Tiger signifies the beginning of a new one. The obstacles facing the Tiger arise not as a result of new demands, but from the inability to change the old order of things. The Tiger should not be afraid of the appearance of new people, no matter how important and impressive they may look. The danger for him arises when trying to ignore traditional values and the established order, which symbolize the Ox, which has a strong position. In such a situation, the Tiger will not be able to achieve its goals.

The tiger is a wonderful partner. Those Tigers who are not involved in the activity physical culture, compensate for this by participating in mental games, including discussions or competitions, enjoying subtle humor and good-natured banter.

For less wealthy people, the Tiger is kind and gracious, inspiring new things without being condescending, able to listen with interest and offer constructive advice. Tigers strive to keep up with the latest news, ranging from international conflicts and ending with secular gossip.

In financial matters, the Tiger copes best if he sees the goal: to guide people on the path to prosperity. By intelligently helping others, the Tiger can achieve amazing results.

Family life He will be stable and disciplined if he does not allow manifestations of rudeness and oppression. His family will be friendly, all its members are connected by close ties, especially brothers and sisters. But if the Tiger turns out to be the youngest in the family, then the child may develop a desire for disobedience, which, naturally, will upset the parents.

Many Tigers prefer government service because they like to wear a uniform and be subject to discipline. This is why Tigers are often found among nurses, police officers, firefighters and, of course, military personnel. In other words, they are attracted to professions where career growth is possible.

When it comes to clothing, Tigers have a delicate taste and are quite picky. Most often they prefer clothes in the latest fashion, expensive and sophisticated.

Ideal Partner: Since the Tiger represents a strong masculine symbol, in the past, Chinese parents were reluctant to allow their sons to marry girls born in the year of the Tiger. “Never bring a Tigress into the house,” the parents admonished their sons, fearing that a woman with a strong character would push her future husband. But if both parents are Tigers, then such a problem does not arise. The Tiger has a lot in common with the Dog and the Horse, and therefore mutual respect will be a strong foundation in a partnership with one of these signs.

RABBIT- for those born in the years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.

A SOFT RABBIT goes well with the fierce Tiger. These signs look contrasting and are essentially opposite sides of the same coin: the Tiger conquers space with the help of open aggression and its vitality. And the Rabbit achieves this goal with the help of tact and diplomacy. An important lesson to be learned from this is that what cannot be won by force can be won through subtlety, intelligence and cunning.

It was easy for astrologers of the past to decide to choose the Rabbit as the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. It symbolizes sunrise, which is the time when rabbits crawl out of their holes. The month of the Rabbit always includes the period of the spring equinox. Thus, the sign of the Rabbit is directly associated with spring and all its joys, with dawn and new promises, freshness, restoration of strength and renewed hopes for a better future.

Rabbits have the whole range of qualities of people who love children and animals: first of all, tenderness and the ability to care for others. They also adore flowers and plants and enjoy gardening. But they rarely take on managing large agricultural farms, since this type of activity does not bring them aesthetic pleasure. Other associations between the Rabbit sign and plant care can be seen in a famous Chinese fairy tale. It tells about the Rabbit, who flew from the moon, where he is believed to live to this day and stirs a cauldron of magical infusions, preparing the elixir of immortality. When Chinese children look at full moon, then instead of a man on the moon they see a Rabbit busy with his work. Thus, the Rabbit is also associated with the art of healing illnesses and preparing medicines. People born under this sign are attracted to any profession related to caring for sick and poor people. Money is less important to them than social responsibilities.

The Rabbit requires communication with people, and is capable of forming strong friendships. In all likelihood, of all, only the Rabbit is least interested in his personal well-being: he prefers to avoid conflict situations, but shows legitimate anger when a defenseless person is hurt.

The rabbit is usually loved in the family: its very nature has a desire to help parents and younger family members. He rarely bothers others with his problems.

The sharp vision inherited by the rabbit from nature turns into the ability of this zodiac sign to distinguish the false from the true.

The typical Rabbit prefers to get up early in the morning, but the passion for active social life, most likely, causes him physical overload. If it is necessary to work outside of school hours, it will be difficult for the Rabbit to successfully cope with his professional responsibilities

In clothes, the Rabbit gives preference to natural colors and national colors, preferring to fit into the surrounding environment.

Ideal partner: Rabbit can make an ideal match for representatives of almost all signs of the Chinese Zodiac. But who then could be the ideal partner for the Rabbit?

Of course, strong bonds are possible with other Rabbits with whom he shares common interests. But in terms of love for children and attitude towards family life, Rabbits are close to the comfort-loving Pig and the unshakably faithful Sheep. Because the strong tiger- Yang, is the Rabbit's partner - Yin, they can make a wonderful, perfectly compatible pair. However, the Rabbit should at all costs reject claims from the charming Dragon, whose charm quickly disappears.

THE DRAGON- for those born in the years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.

THE DRAGON IS THE ONLY ASTROLOGICAL SIGN that represents a non-existent animal. According to ancient Chinese astrologers, the eastern part of the sky was known as the Dragon. This constellation was clearly visible in the sky in late spring in the month of the Dragon. Its mystical origins mean that the Dragon and its zodiac sign partner the Snake are associated with supernatural forces.

Unlike Western dragons, Chinese dragons do not have wings, although they are often depicted flying in the sky. The preferred habitat of the Chinese dragon is water environment, and its presence can be recognized by turbulent streams and whirlpools.

In China, for thousands of years, the dragon has been a symbol of imperial power and power, and good fortune. In his depictions, the dragon held a necklace of pearls in his mouth, and gold coins fell out of his lower belly onto the ground.

A person born under the sign of the Dragon reveals a truly fantastic character, prone to the exotic. This is an extraordinary, highly extroverted personality, quirky, eccentric and often frantic. The character of the Dragon is such that the heads of those around him turn to him in surprise even before he opens his mouth. When he speaks, he does not allow even a moment of doubt - always only meaningful pauses. If the Dragon gives orders and instructions, then everyone must obey him not out of fear or servility, but out of confusion at the obvious impudence on the part of the Dragon.

The dragon always manages to demonstrate his wealth. He never lacks money, although he does not always have it in his pockets. In fact the most great danger for the Dragon, there is a need to make extravagant gestures, and it is amazing that these incredible risks usually bring decent profits.

People born under the sign of the Dragon have a lively mind, and in conversations their quick reactions not only hypnotize, but also confuse. They attract many friends and admirers, but even the most faithful of them often despair due to the obvious lack of stability and consistency in the actions of the Dragon. To strangers the Dragon's decisions seem to last only as long as it takes to pronounce them. It also seems that he can change his mind on a whim, although this is usually because the Dragon finds it difficult to make even the slightest changes to existing plans. In this case, he prefers to abandon them completely rather than subject them to adjustments, regardless of the possible serious consequences.

In the family, the Dragon can express conflicting views on certain current issues. It doesn’t really matter to him whether they are accepted or rejected, since he has already done his job.

Given that the Dragon loves flattery and strives for recognition of his professionalism and the plans he proposes, he is ideal for any career that is of a public nature. Ideal place for Dragons is theater, although they will come into view everywhere as soon as they begin to radiate their charm. They will also be attracted to work in financial institutions, since the shine of gold and jewelry is the spiritual food of Dragons.

Always flouting convention, the Dragon has no qualms about wearing what suits him best, no matter how shocking it may be to those around him.

Ideal partner: The special qualities of the Dragon will be best appreciated by the diligent and persistent rat or the dexterous and cunning Monkey. But under no circumstances will the Dragon want to be next to the quiet rabbit. “When the Rabbit appears, all the Dragon's wealth is lost,” says a Chinese proverb. Other suitable life partners for the Dragon would be the Tiger and the Horse. At the same time, his companion sign - the Snake - will also be an understanding and always supportive partner for him.

SNAKE- for those born in the years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.

PARTNER OF THE DRAGON SNAKE - also a sign of mystical valor, daring and courage, but in a more modest expression. Where the Dragon is a sorcerer who summons evil spirits, the Snake strives more to establish spiritual contact through meditation. According to the Chinese calendar, the month of the Snake is the first month of summer.

It is then that snakes first crawl out of their holes to bask in the warm rays of the sun. If snakes appear on the surface earlier than usual, this can serve as a warning of an upcoming earthquake. The fact is that, while in burrows, snakes instantly feel the slightest tremors. During the years of the Snake, earthquakes often occurred, some of them were destructive.

Just as the Dragon is associated with gold and the mineral jadeite, the Snake is said to be the guardian of treasures hidden in the earth. Perhaps this is explained by the fact that thieves hide stolen goods in the ground, and this place involuntarily becomes a nest where a tired snake finds refuge. Although many experience fear at the sight of a snake due to the potential for a fatal bite, its association with buried valuables means that many Chinese tend to view the Snake as a harbinger of good fortune.

For the Chinese, the Snake represents mystery and intrigue. Eavesdropping, spying and espionage are associated with the Snake, and those born in the year of the Snake are capable information gatherers. Intrigues, tricks, tricks and scandals rarely go unnoticed by the Snake, who observes this for the sake of future gain. Unlike their garrulous and chatty neighbors, those born under the sign of the Snake tend to keep tidbits of secrets and gossip to themselves, postponing scraps of information until a more favorable moment when they can show themselves in a better light.

By carefully manipulating circumstances, these people can achieve high positions in the corridors of power, but not through open display of ambition and self-promotion, but through the ability to be in the right place at the moment when their best qualities are most in demand. Snakes are able to compare facts and figures and become brilliant researchers and analysts.

Those born under the sign of the Snake are guided in life by strict moral principles and ethical standards. They are generally truthful, but if forced to reveal a secret, they will use verbal dexterity and skill to present the facts in a better light, resorting to cosmetic adjustments. They can also give the impression that they know more about something than they actually do—a valuable quality, especially during difficult trade negotiations.

The Snake is the ideal type of a scrupulous and shrewd financier who will always account for every last cent.

The snake prefers privacy, and its home is unlikely to be open to everyone. There may be valuables in the house, such as expensive paintings, that are not intended for prying eyes. The Snake is extremely sensitive and often surrounds itself with luxury, which, in its opinion, should not concern anyone.

Snakes love expensive clothes, but not flashy, since they dress not to impress others, but to remain, as far as possible, modest and unobtrusive.

Ideal partner: The Snake carefully chooses a partner who must offer what she herself lacks in life: earthly strength, strength or exotic beauty, it doesn’t matter which. The Ox will give the first quality, and the Rooster or even the Dragon will amaze the Snake with an illegal but beautiful intrigue. A Chinese proverb adds another promising partner: “When the Snake and the Rabbit meet, this is true happiness.”

HORSE- for those born in the years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.

IN THE CHINESE CALENDAR, the month of the Horse marks the middle of the year. It includes the longest daylight hours, when the sun - Great Yang - shines the strongest of the year. Accordingly, the hour of the Horse falls in the middle of the day (regardless of the time of year), when the sun is at its zenith. Astrologers of the past chose the sign of the Horse to represent the Great Yang, associated with men and their activities outside the walls of the home.

Thus, the Horse is associated with the male gender, both behaviorally and in terms of characteristic traits. Typical signs of the influence of the Horse sign on those born under it are a passion for social events, sports and crude jokes. For this reason, Chinese parents, in search of a bride for their son, sought to avoid the applicant who was born under the sign of the Horse, as they feared her superiority in such a marriage.

A man born under the sign of the Horse prefers to believe that both sexes should lead a completely separate life in accordance with traditional functions: a man works in the field and brings home the harvest; the woman is busy at home and raising children. On the other hand, a woman born under the sign of the Horse is a leader in her environment. She holds different views: both partners in a marriage should share the responsibilities and duties of maintaining the household and for this they should receive equal rewards and recognition depending on their contribution.

The character of a person born under the sign of the Horse is extremely sociable and competitive. The horse prefers to act as a team rather than alone. She can be a fanatic or a bearer of revolutionary ideas, but only on the condition that others around her will be like that. At the same time, her leadership qualities and ability to speak directly and frankly, regardless of faces, will not cause difficulties in acquiring supporters and followers of her cause. It is unlikely that you can easily change the Horse’s opinion on various issues, given the principle and presence of strong and established views. The negative side of the character of a typical Horse is that it can be biased and prejudiced.

Horses and credit cards don't go well together. Believing that the main thing is to make a favorable impression, the Horse often makes hasty decisions in financial matters. She manages to stay within her budget, although she may cut back on items that others would consider essential.

Women born under the sign of the Horse are ready to work for the benefit of society in various committees and are trustworthy organizers. Whether it is a temporary job assignment from city to village, a trade conference or a family event, the Horse woman is the right choice to satisfy all those involved in this line of work.

Although at first glance these people prefer sports and other activities related to other work, nevertheless, an analysis of their hidden qualities shows that they are quite smart and intellectually developed. They also get satisfaction from being in the company of crossword puzzle enthusiasts and quite often take the lead in games such as bridge, quizzes, etc.

Although Horses do not tend to blindly follow fashion in clothing, they do not want to look old-fashioned, so they prefer a style that is in line with the latest fashion, but discreet.

Ideal Partner: Sheep is best suited as a lifelong partner as Horse and Sheep combine opposite qualities and two sides of the same partnership. Other preferred partners, provided they do not get in the way, would be the Tiger, especially if it is a woman, and the Dog, which shares an affinity for outdoor activities and sports. Partners to avoid include the Rat or Rabbit, while the Rooster will distract the Horse's attention, much to its chagrin. A Chinese proverb says: “An Ox and a Horse cannot be in the same stall.”

SHEEP (GOAT)- for those born in the years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.

PARTNER for male sign Horses - Yang is Sheep - Yin. These two signs represent two aspects of the ancestral house. Buddhist sages chose the Sheep to represent the feminine principle, since herds of sheep consist almost entirely of females. In Chinese, the word for "sheep" is represented by the same character as "goat", although it is sometimes translated as "ram".

The sheep represents a wide range of symbolic qualities that are reflected in the characters of many people. This is, first of all, herd feelings and blindly following the crowd. Other representatives of this sign are less suited to being herd animals, preferring to be in the company of one or two chosen friends. But there are many good qualities, which are characteristic of all those born under the sign of the Sheep. One of them is the reverence of such arts as singing and dancing, in which performance can be either solo or as part of a choir and ensemble. When it comes to fine art, Sheep is likely to favor designs done in pastel and muted colors rather than neo-modernist ones. bright colors. The decoration and decoration of the house is also maintained in the same colors.

In personal relationships, the Sheep prefers to establish permanent connections, especially in marriage. However, not every Sheep is able to establish ideal relationships with other people. The individual Sheep may seem self-sufficient and take a philosophical approach to his destiny, but he does not view his lonely existence as a good thing. Family life plays important role For this Chinese Zodiac sign, it is the devoted Sheep who is most likely to have strong family ties.

From a career point of view, the Sheep is best satisfied by working in a team. A life associated with music or dancing may be a secret and desirable preference for the representative of this sign, but a profession related to people, such as working with personnel, will be a more natural and pressing choice for the Sheep.

The spirit of collectivism and camaraderie is so strong in people of this sign that, unfortunately, they develop a feeling of indifference to manifestations of individuality in other people. The sheep, for whom everything is the same as other sheep, refuses to believe that its colleagues and friends do not share its tastes and habits, do not root for the same team and do not enjoy the same pie. And when for the first time she is faced with the fact that everything in life is completely different, she may experience bitter disappointment, and the sooner this happens, the better she will understand people outside the close family circle.

Conversely, fate will test the Sheep if it ends up in the hands of more persistent colleagues, especially those in leadership positions. Such people may view the Sheep as naive and accommodating, taking her compliant nature for granted. This is why it is believed that underestimating the integral nature of the Sheep can be a recipe for disaster, as when forced to take extreme steps, the soft and submissive Sheep turns into a hostile goat, capable of taking steps with devastating consequences.

It is more common for a sheep not to delve deeply into the essence of things, but to look at them superficially, believing that the details that she does not delve into will appear on their own. In business, such people are more successful where they deal with people and things. In cases where the Sheep does not feel his calling, he leaves the subtleties of the matter in the hands of more successful and competent specialists. The Sheep's appearance is always inviting, confident and friendly: she always prefers clothes that are comfortable and attractive, in which you can easily go to an evening reception after a business meeting.

Ideal Partner: The Sheep's inherent attachment to family shows that her ideal partner is the domestic Pig or the caring Rabbit. Each of them can bring happiness to the Sheep in the partnership that this sign dreamed of deep down. If the Sheep is content with a secondary role in its relationships with partners, then the ardent Horse is a wonderful stable partner for it. The Rooster, as well as the Snake, may be attractive to a certain extent to the Sheep, but the Ox as a partner will cause headaches and frustration.

MONKEY- for those born in the years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.

THE NAMES OF THE ZODIACAL SIGNS of the animals and Monkey and Rooster have little in common with their ancient signs, but are based on their astrological interpretation. These two signs together combine skill and technology: the quality Yang represents everything related to technology and heavy engineering, and its opposite Yin represents design and handcraft.

On Chinese clocks, the hour of the Monkey is the last hour of daylight, ending just before sunset. The ancient symbol that reflected this sign showed a skin stretched on a frame, meaning something that stretches with difficulty.

The monkey is a popular character in Chinese legends, naughty and mischievous in the classic tale, who accompanied the monk Xuan Tsang on his dangerous and perilous journey to the west. In epic poems, the monkey embodies the essence of human nature, its fragility and moral instability, which, however, can be improved through good deeds and hard work.

The astrological symbolism of the Monkey lies in lightness, manifested both in words and in deeds. She is capable of metalwork ranging from the smallest details of jewelry and watches to large structures such as cars and bridges. A person born under the sign of the Monkey and does not have golden hands is very talkative and has a sharp tongue, which allows him to successfully perform the role of a lawyer in court.

But such qualities of the Monkey as the gift of eloquence and the ability to touch should be used for good. On the one hand, the hands of the bearer of this zodiac sign capable of performing complex surgical operations; but on the other hand, his hands can successfully open a bank safe. Once in the dock, the Monkey can amaze lawyers with his ability to defend himself, skillfully defending his positions. When someone is said to be inventive, like a Monkey, then the actions of such a person should be treated with great caution. What may begin as a person's desire to improve his life can actually turn into a complete disaster for him if this sign's ability to inventiveness is misused. The financial situation of Monkeys is often unstable, but there are also better times, perhaps even associated with wealth. The secret of this lies in the ability of this sign to use any chance to achieve success.

If the Monkey is the head of the family, then it is quite difficult to maintain a calm atmosphere in such a house, since the young members of this family imitate their overly active parent, the bearer of this sign. But one of the family members in a difficult situation should always serve as support and protection.

Having worthy partners with sufficient resources and a definite goal, the Monkey is able to express himself next to them in bright creative activities, throwing himself headlong into the implementation of his ambitious projects, admirable those around you. If the Monkey becomes wiser as a result of life experience, then he will not allow the achieved position and wealth to take precedence over the essence of his nature. On the contrary, she will again begin to make plans and projects that can benefit everyone.

However, in a group, the Monkey can behave quite inconspicuously, preferring something insignificant and not so conspicuous, avoiding bright displays in clothing. She loves small decorations or embroidery on toilet items, as well as very elegant jewelry. All this reflects the traits of her complex character.

Ideal Partner: With partners like the Rat and the Dragon, one as a life partner and the other as a relative or friend, the Monkey can achieve amazing personal success and reach the heights of human happiness. That is why the Monkey's task is to find these two partners. For a more modest life, the Horse will provide friendship, comfort and security for life, and she could have fun days with the Dog. As for the Tiger, it is unlikely that he will become an obedient and pliable partner.

ROOSTER- for those born in the years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.

WHAT A COMPLEX CHARACTER the Rooster has! This is partly evident from the contradictory symbolism of the Rooster: although it is associated with the signal of sunrise, on Chinese clocks it signifies the time of sunset, when the birds return to their nests for the night.

That is why the Rooster is associated with any activity in the evening. Under the influence of the Rooster are such areas of creativity as music, drawing, recitation, theater, concert activity, and the like.

Although the Rooster belongs to Yin - feminine sign, he is considered to be overly persistent and the most assertive of all the Yin signs and therefore, to some extent, possesses many of the Yang qualities so inherent in the authoritative and imposing Tiger. Roosters are more likely to be good speakers and lovers of chatter than interesting interlocutors, and they do not make a conscious effort to somehow soften the nature of harsh statements. Their frank and direct manner of expressing their thoughts may seem overly harsh and is often perceived as downright rude.

At home, this behavior leaves no doubt about who is the real owner. He can only feel sorry for a person whose behavior will cause dissatisfaction on the part of the Rooster. Moreover, the Rooster may not necessarily be the actual head of the family, but in any case, his importance is never questioned.

In the astrological sense, the concepts of “Rooster” and “money” are almost identical. Although Roosters have a keen sense of business people and prudently save money in reserve, nevertheless, from time to time they violate some budget items, openly demonstrating amazing wastefulness. A woman born under the sign of the Rooster is more inclined to bring money into the house than a male Rooster, who is more likely to squander it.

Those who always strive to be the first among those who can hear or convey something new last news, Roosters have all the necessary qualities that allow them to become good newspapermen and magazine employees. But whatever career the Roosters choose, those aspects labor activity, which are characterized female character, will be more successful for them.

Like country roosters, people born under this astrological sign prefer to get up early in the morning to get started on business, and stay awake long before the rest of the family wakes up. Typically they require less sleep to restore strength than other people. They may express concern about this, considering it a disruption to their body. But this will not become a problem if their daily work routine is structured correctly. However, there is one factor in their behavior that should be carefully monitored in Everyday life. It was not for nothing that the prototype of this sign was the ancient symbol of a wine bottle. One Rooster in a complete horoscope is not considered an unfavorable sign. When the second or third Rooster appears when denoting concepts such as hour, day and month, this may indicate the danger of abuse of alcoholic beverages, drugs or medications.

People born under the sign of the Rooster are proud and always like to make a favorable impression on others. They definitely need to be modern and dressed in the latest fashion. At the same time, they will reject any overtly flashy or provocative clothing. They like others to express their admiration for them, but by no means amazement. These people are extremely picky and picky to the point of obsession when it comes to their appearance, clothing and cosmetics. Noticing even the slightest disorder in their appearance, they experience not only shame, but also horror, which is very difficult for less sensitive people to understand.

Ideal partner: Who would like such an unpredictable and at the same time attractive personality? Those who make this choice should lack the qualities they most admire in the Rooster, although other people may find the Rooster's character traits least attractive. The confident, reliable Ox and the calm and reserved Snake are good partners for the Rooster. A Sheep or a Pig can become partners and create a homely atmosphere. As for the Tiger, Horse or other Rooster, they will have intense competition with each other, and not one will know which of them is the real leader.

DOG- for those born in the years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.

In ancient Chinese treatises, the astrological sign we know as the Dog was depicted as a hand holding a spear. He indicated the time of day when security was ensured for the home at night, and the watchman went on duty. Because of its determination, courage, fortitude and resilience, the Dog has become a natural resource for providing safety and protection.

The Dog and the Pig form a pair of partner signs that manage the home and household affairs. The Dog is responsible for safety outside the walls of the house, while the Pig guarantees home comfort. But the Dog is not only occupied with the problems of safety and security of the house, but is also responsible for the construction of the home itself. Many people born in the year of the Dog show an interest in construction, and not so much in the profession as such, but in the financing associated with it and investing some ideas in this process. The dog prefers to have its own housing, trying to constantly improve its size, quality and comfort.

This sign tends to be a guardian, and therefore the dog is capable of making donations if something can be achieved through this. Persistent in work, accustomed to extracting the best from what is available, the Dog is able to endure things that make others horrified.

The ability to protect your home and those around you makes the Dog a loyal and reliable friend. Such people are genetically transmitted to be wary of strangers, but if friendly relations have already been established, they remain faithful, despite difficulties and obstacles. Dogs will always lend a helping hand, and absolutely unselfishly. They like to volunteer their services for any cause aimed at benefiting a person. It is not surprising that they easily manage to make friends, but they have one drawback; at times, dogs can be very gullible. Unrespectable acquaintances, and even family members, take too much advantage of their good disposition and sympathetic character. If a dog is warned about the questionable actions of people it considers close, then such advice will be rejected with complete indifference.

Dogs love it. so that their home is a cozy haven, clean and tidy. In a family, such people always manage everything, but at the same time, the connections between parents and children are fragile and not strong.

People born under the sign of the Dog love to spend free time in the fresh air, giving preference to relaxing in the countryside or playing sports. Therefore, it is very important for the Dog to choose a partner who will share his love in the fresh air, or one who is ready to allow the dog to spend time at his own discretion in accordance with his hobby.

When choosing professional career preference is given to military service, or work in the field of security and safety. The dog's character is suitable for such activities as real estate transactions, as well as work on the construction and restoration of housing. At the same time, the Dog should always have the opportunity to work outside the institution, since working indoors will inevitably lead to depression. In the appearance of the dog there are simultaneously traits of sanity and practicality. Women prefer a style that emphasizes their assets, while men, on the contrary, prefer a playful manner of dressing. Both of them strive to look like business people and at the same time attractive.

IDEAL PARTNER: The Dog has a close alliance with the Tiger and the Horse, and since they have many common interests, both of them will create a long-lasting and strong relationship with the Dog. The Pig may be considered a more suitable domestic partner for this sign eager to spend time outside the home. But both of them will have to learn to understand and take into account each other’s interests. As for the Ox, over time he will seem sullen, grumpy and gloomy, and the Dragon may run away with all the Dog's money.

PIG- for those born in the years: 1935, 1947, 1959,1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.

The Chinese sign, which previously reflected the sign of the Pig before the introduction of animal names, is said to represent two people in bed under the roof of a house. The pig symbolized the last hours of the Chinese day, when the family went to bed, and only the light snoring of the sleeping household could be heard, at peace with themselves.

People born under the sign of the Pig are among the most pleasant personalities you can meet in this life. They are friendly, warm to other people, generous, cheerful and sociable.

The home of a person born under the sign of the Pig is always comfortable, often luxurious, and at the same time always open and welcoming to guests. Although the Pig by nature is not one of persistent and persistent people, and is easily content with a subordinate role in the family, household members will certainly recognize its superiority in matters of home comfort.

The lifestyle to which the Pig is accustomed requires hard work. Those who are not part of the Pig’s inner circle may consider that she is very lucky financially. And at the same time, the situation around the Pig is the result, first of all, of its hard work, diligence and diligence. And if the Pig found itself at the right time and in the right place, this is not a coincidence, but careful planning, analysis and forecasting of the situation.

But the Pig's friendly nature and seemingly carefree attitude towards life have their drawbacks. The desire to please everyone, as well as the flexible nature of the Pig, is considered by others as something that goes without saying. The Pig should remember the old proverb that it is difficult to be merciful and sympathetic, but even more difficult not to be so. The Pig can often be deceived, especially in financial transactions.

The most suitable profession for a Pig is the service sector, including interior design, work as a hotel manager, and all other areas where it is necessary to provide high quality services. People born in the year of the Pig make good social workers.

The Pig loves to dress fashionably, but only as much as her income allows. And although convenience and practicality come to the fore, there are always elements in clothing that make others jealous, and they unwittingly copy the style of the Pig.

IDEAL PARTNER: Unfortunately, the Pig does not tend to make correct judgments about the character of people, so it often enters into unpredictable relationships with not very worthy people. An ideal partner for a Pig could be a Rabbit or a Sheep, who are characterized by the same devotion to home and family. For a woman born in the year of the Pig, the ideal man would be someone who shares her interest in improving the home. A Pig man may well be attracted to a bright Rooster. But it is worth remembering that the extravagant taste of the Rooster costs him dearly and the family budget may simply not withstand such extravagance.

(Based on the book “Secrets of Chinese Astrology” by Derek Walters)

Long ago, the Jade Emperor celebrated his birthday in heaven. Unfortunately, at that time there was no way to count time, and he did not know exactly how old he was. Then he decided to come up with a method for counting years.

He sent his servant into the forest to announce that there would be a competition among the animals and the 12 winners would receive special prizes. When the animals heard this news, they became interested in what kind of prizes the Emperor had prepared for them.

On the day of the competition, the emperor arrived in a golden chariot. He cleared his throat to make a speech, and all the animals fell silent. “You must cross the river. The years of the twelve-year cycle will be named after the first 12 animals that reach the opposite shore. The first year will be named after the main winner, the second year after the second place winner, and so on,” the emperor declared.

All the animals lined up on the river bank - the competition began. The cat and the rat were the first to run up to the river, but they soon realized that it would not be so easy for them to swim across the river; the path seemed dangerous. They sat down and thought about what to do. Suddenly the rat had an idea: “Hey, bull, will you carry us across the river?” - she asked. The bull was a kind animal and readily agreed.

The cat and the rat jumped on the bull's head, and together they crossed the river. When they were almost at the opposite bank, the rat jumped off the bull's head and thus came running first.

"Congratulations! - exclaimed the emperor. “The first year will be named after you!” Bull was furious that he had been cheated, but he came second and the second year was named after him.

A long period of time passed until the tiger arrived, exhausted after a long and difficult swim. The Emperor was pleased with his efforts and named the third year after him. A rabbit appeared behind the tiger, which surprised the emperor: “Everyone knows that rabbits cannot swim. You must have cheated!”

The rabbit explained that he really couldn't swim, but managed to cross the river by jumping from pebble to pebble and swimming across on a log. This impressed the emperor and he named the fourth year after the rabbit.

The Emperor was delighted. All the animals showed great ingenuity to cross the river, but he expected the dragon, who could both swim and fly, to win easily. But he was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly a shadow fell over the animals as the dragon was about to land. “Finally,” shouted the emperor. - Where have you been?" “First I had to make it rain, and then I saw that the rabbit was trying to cross on a log, and it took a little wind to help him cross the river,” said the dragon. "Very good. You are the fifth animal, so you get a fifth year,” said the emperor.

The winning animals gathered on the shore and watched as the remaining competitors swam across the river. They saw a horse that was trying its best. When she had almost reached the shore, a snake suddenly slithered out from under her hooves. The horse couldn't understand how the snake could slip ahead of him and win sixth place. So the horse became seventh, but was happy with that too.

Then an amazing sight met their eyes - a rooster, a monkey and a goat, floating together on a raft. The rooster found the raft, and the other two helped with navigation and removed reeds along the way that prevented the raft from floating.

When they finally landed on the shore, the emperor was delighted: “I have never seen such a wonderful interaction!” It marked the eighth year in honor of the goat, the ninth in honor of the monkey, and the tenth in honor of the rooster.

Quite a long time passed until the next animal arrived. The emperor was already beginning to worry whether the other animals would pass the test, but then a dog came running. She explained that the water was so clear that she couldn't help but treat herself to a swim. The Emperor laughed and granted her an eleventh year.

Everyone was curious which animal would get the last place. The animals were discussing this issue when a pig landed on the shore, grunting and sniffling. The twelfth year was named after her. The imperial trumpeters sounded a fanfare, and the emperor began his speech: “Congratulations to all the animals that were able to swim across the river today. Your names will remain for centuries thanks to your efforts today,” he said.

What happened to the cat that sat on the bull's head? The rat pushed him back into the river, and he was carried to the other side. From that day on, rats and cats became enemies.

Animals selected to guard the imperial palace

There is another story known to the Chinese about 12 animals. The Yellow Emperor (2697-2599 BC) ordered the selection of 12 species of animals to guard the imperial palace.

Many animals became interested and came to the competition. The cat asked the rat to write him down too, but the rat forgot about it. Thus, the cat was unable to participate in the competition. The cat hated the rat for this, and from then on they became enemies.

The elephant came too, but the rat crawled into his long trunk and drove him away. During the competition, the bull was the first to reach the finish line. But the rat climbed onto the bull's back and jumped over the finish line first. The bull got second place. The tiger reached the finish line right after the bull.

The rabbit jumped out in front of the dragon, blocking its path, and the dragon arrived after the rabbit. This made the dragon fifth, and he was very upset by the rabbit's action.

A dog bit a rabbit's paw during a competition. Because of this, she was punished with 11th place, after the snake, horse, goat, monkey and rooster. The pig ended up in 12th place.

These 12 animals became symbols of the Chinese zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Dawu Wang. The Epoch Times

The last days of the outgoing year and the threshold of the new one always seem significant, special, and filled with deep meaning to us. We dream of getting rid of the failures and worries that have bothered us over the past 12 months, and we look to the future with hope, trying to predict what it has in store for us? And, of course, we are curious: which symbolic animal will come into its own with the last strike of the clock on

Myths and legends

Let's look at what animals look like by year. Many legends and myths are associated with its origin. The most famous one says that one day Buddha called all the creatures of the earth to him on an important matter. And those 12 who appeared before the eyes of the deity before others received a wonderful reward: to rule over the destinies of peoples and states for 12 months. This is how the eastern animal calendar was created by year.

Astronomical data

It’s difficult to say now how everything actually happened. It is only known that it is based on the astronomical cycles of the two main ones for the Earth celestial bodies- The Sun and Moon, as well as Saturn and Jupiter. The Eastern animal calendar by year includes a periodicity of 12 years. This is exactly how much it takes for Jupiter to complete full turn around the Sun. And if you consider that in ancient times the nomadic peoples inhabiting the current territories of the East Asian region revered Jupiter as their patron and endowed him with mystical properties, then it is clear why the eastern animal calendar is designed for 12 years. The Chinese were the first to think of it. This was almost 4 thousand years ago. And now this calendar is the main one not only in the Middle Kingdom, but also in Japan, Korea, Kampuchea, Mongolia, Thailand and many other countries. Moreover, the signs of the Zodiac according to eastern calendar They are gladly recognized as symbols of the year in the Old and New Worlds. And in Russia too!

Star Zoo

Let's list those lucky ones whom Buddha noted with his special favor. It is known that the animals did not resort to him all at once, but one by one. As a result, preference was given to one or the other. The countdown of the new year began with the second full moon, which came after the winter - December in our opinion - solstice. According to the eastern calendar, they begin with the Rat. Next, in order, are the Tiger, Rabbit (or Hare) and Dragon, Snake and Horse. The last animal, by the way, is a symbol of the passing year, and we can hear the rhythmic clatter of its hooves for several more days. And the Horse, a restless worker with a noble but restive character, is being replaced by the melancholy, sometimes loving to stick out its horns and buck, but in general a peace-loving domestic Goat. Zodiac signs according to the eastern calendar are not the same in all Asian countries. The goat is revered in China. And in Japan they believe that 2015 will be ruled by the Sheep. Next come the Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig (or Boar). This is such a heavenly zoo!

Elements and elements

Astrologers note that the symbols of the eastern calendar are not limited to animals. They include the basic natural elements and elements. These are Fire, Wood, Earth, Water, Metal. Each has a specific symbolic meaning. A tree is the personification of the East itself, the place from which the sun rises, the beginning of life, spring, youth, flowering, emergence, and the origin of all life processes. The main one among the Chinese - the Dragon - is located precisely in the eastern part of the house or temple. Fire is the South, it is associated with Metaphorically, the element of fire is equated with progress, prosperity, the revelation of one’s own potentials in different spheres of existence, the growth of well-being and abundance. It is also associated with fame and self-realization. Thus, Fire is the manifestation of the most powerful and brightest flowering, the culmination of something.

Philosophy of the East

The table of the eastern calendar will be incomplete without the element of Earth - central to the eastern philosophical system. In the cosmic spheres, its correspondence is the North Star, the prototype of earthly imperial power. Consequently, the earthly element is associated with ordering, legitimizing any processes, manifestations of control and order, as well as confrontations because of them. And if the Tree was associated by Chinese philosophers with spring, then the Earth is the middle of summer, the ripening of fruits and fruits, as well as the wise time of maturity human life. Metal is reliability, strength, fairness, hardness. The element is associated with the Sun, just setting, and is associated with the West - sunset. Metaphorically, it denotes the decline of human life, wise contemplation, “the time to gather stones” and reap the harvest. And water, flowing and changeable, is considered the most incomprehensible and mysterious by Eastern sages. It is connected with the North, old age and its inherent wisdom, rejection of false illusions, and peace.

Koza-Dereza

But let us return to the present day, to our pressing affairs. The coming year, according to the eastern calendar, is the year of the Goat. What interesting things can you learn about him from his astrological characteristics? In the 21st century we will meet the “bearded beauty” for the second time - the first occurred in 2003. In Russian folklore, a goat is a rather capricious and crafty animal. It’s hard to please her, Dereza is so good at mischief, that’s why she’s beaten and her sides are ragged. At the same time, a goat is a nurse, a kind, unpretentious, very clean animal, its milk is healthier and more valuable than cow's milk. In the East, especially among the poor, Dereza was highly valued. But the attitude towards goats was somewhat different: they are dissolute, and stupid, and pugnacious. And for some reason “old”. The abusive expression “old goat” wanders from people to people, from one national culture to another.

Symbol of the year

What is characteristic of the Year of the Goat according to the eastern calendar? If we take into account the fact that goats love affection very much and respond to it with pleasure, then from the years whose totem it is, one should also expect calmness, goodwill, peace and wise resolution of many global and minor conflicts. Calmness and stability, without sudden leaps and changes, should please everyone who is tired of crises and changes and is a supporter of eternal values. Therefore, if you treat others with sincere friendliness and cordiality, the support of the Goat-Dereza is guaranteed to you! The ruler of the cosmic mysteries in 2015 will be Jupiter - the planet that brings with it world harmony and order, the highest justice and establishes the most important laws of human coexistence and mercy. It is no wonder that many people associate hopes for positive changes in their lives with the “year of Jupiter”.

Pastoral with sheep

According to the eastern calendar, the Sheep shares the New Year's throne with the Goat. The inhabitants of the Country chose her as a totem Rising Sun. Sheep, as we know, are extremely peaceful and sweet animals. Some people think they are stupid, it’s true, but in Christian mythology Christ himself was compared to a lamb - a meek and defenseless lamb. Nature, indeed, did not make sure that the sheep could stand up for themselves - they have neither strong hooves, nor sharp horns, nor fierce fangs. That's why they are so dependent on humans. But the year of the Sheep, in this case, should not be warlike, with cataclysms and natural disasters. On the contrary, the meek Sheep should bring peace and tranquility with her.

"Horned" varieties

It is not for nothing that we noted the connection of the Chinese calendar not only with the animal world, but also with natural elements and elements. Indeed, in accordance with them, each totem resides in one form or another. Thus, the past years of 1931 and 1991 and the coming 2051 decades later belong to the Metal Goat. The Water Goat was 1943, 2003 and will be 2063. The Wooden Goat walked around the world in 1955, will return a few days later - in 2015, and then nod its horns welcomingly in 2075. The reign of the Fire Goat occurred in 1907 and 1967, then will begin in 2027. And finally, the Earth Goat greeted the world with its “mecking” in 1919 and 1979, and we will hear it again in 2051. Happy new year friends? Yes, Happy New Year!

Eastern or Chinese calendar consists of from five elements(wood, fire, earth, metal and water) and 12 animals(rat, bull, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig). The full cycle of such a calendar is 60 years. The current cycle began in 1984 - the year of the wood rat.

Let's figure it out: Why does each year in the Chinese calendar correspond to a certain animal? Why exactly twelve of them? And why are they arranged in this order?

There are several legends about this:

Legend one

The first legend is about how the Jade Emperor - the supreme deity of the Taoist pantheon, the lord of heaven - chose twelve animals, each of which rules a year once every twelve years.

“I have ruled the heavens for a long time,” the emperor said to the adviser, “but I have never seen these strange animals and I don’t know what they look like.” I would like to know their characteristic features and properties. I would like to see how they move and hear the sounds they make. How smart are they and how do they help people?

No, I can't waste that much time. Select twelve of the most interesting animals and bring them to me so that I can sort them by color and shape.

The adviser went through all the animals he knew in his head and decided, first, to invite the rat, but asked her to also convey the invitation to her friend the cat. He also sent invitations to the bull, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster and dog and ordered them to appear before the emperor tomorrow at 6 o'clock in the morning.

The Rat was very flattered by this invitation, she immediately went to convey the good news to her friend the cat. The cat was also very happy, but was worried that at 6 am it was very early and he might oversleep. Therefore, he asked the rat to wake him up in time. All night the rat thought about how cute and sleek the cat was and how ugly she would look in comparison to him in front of the emperor. And she decided that the only way to make sure that the cat didn’t get all the praise was to not wake him up in the morning.

All animals are interesting, but why are there only eleven of them?

The peasant appreciated the servant's words and gave him his pig. And she was immediately taken to heaven.

And at this time the rat, afraid that it would remain unnoticed, jumped on the back of the bull and began to play the flute. The emperor liked this unusual animal so much that he gave him first place. The emperor gave second place to the bull - after all, he was so generous that he allowed the rat to sit on his back. The tiger received third place for its brave appearance, and the rabbit received fourth place for its delicate white fur. The emperor decided that the dragon looked like a powerful snake with paws, and placed him in fifth place. The snake received sixth place for its flexible body, the horse - seventh for its elegant posture, and the ram - eighth for its strong horns. The agile and restless monkey got ninth place, the rooster got tenth place for its beautiful feathers, and the vigilant guard dog got eleventh place. The pig stood at the end: it may not have been as interesting as the other animals, but it still made it to heaven and was therefore awarded last place.

When the ceremony came to an end, the cat ran into the palace and began to beg the emperor to evaluate him too, but it was too late: the emperor had already chosen twelve animals. Seeing the rat standing in first place, the cat rushed at her with the intention of killing her because she did not wake him up. That is why, to this day, the cat and the rat remain bitter enemies.

Legend two

One day Buddha invited all the animals inhabiting the earth to his place for the New Year. To those who came first to congratulate him and express their respect, he promised to give a whole year, which will henceforth be called by their names. The mouse was ahead of everyone. A bull came for her, then a tiger, a cat, a dragon, a snake, a horse, a goat, a monkey, a rooster, and a dog. The pig came twelfth. Having received its own year, each animal, as it were, passed on typical traits of its character to it, and man acquired the properties inherent in the animal in whose year he was born.

Legend three

Parting with the animals, the enlightened Buddha gave each of them one year of reign as a sign of gratitude for coming to say goodbye to him.

Sly Rat

Zealous Bull

Brave Tiger

Quiet Rabbit

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