Chinese Zodiac Animals
The Chinese have an astrological system with a 12-year cycle. Animals represent each year in the cycle with certain characteristics. These are the “Chinese astrological signs” or the “zodiac symbols” for the given years. The word “zodiac” comes from the Latin “zodiacus”, which in turn comes from the Greek “zoidiakos kuklos”, meaning “circle of the zodiac”, or “circle of animals”. This is using the root of the word “zoo” meaning animal which is now used in English to mean animal park (short for zoological park) and also used in the word “zoology” meaning the study of animals.
Here is a list of the 12 animals with a description of the traits for each animal along with some pictures:
The Rat (or Mouse)
People born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rat are quick-witted, clever, charming, sharp and funny. They have excellent taste, are good friends, are generous and loyal to others considered part of its pack. Motivated by money, they can be greedy. They are curious, seek knowledge and welcome challenges. Compatible with Dragon or Monkey.
Photo search for "muroidea" on Flickr.com:
The Ox (or Cow)
Considered one of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs, the Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and good companion. Compatible with Snake or Rooster.
Photo search for "bovine" on Flickr.com:
The Tiger
People born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Tiger are authoritative, self-possessed, have strong leadership qualities. They are charming, ambitious, courageous, warm-hearted, highly seductive, moody, intense, and they’re ready to pounce at any time. Compatible with Horse or Dog.
Photo search for "tiger" on Flickr.com:
The Rabbit (Hare)
People born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rabbit enjoy being surrounded by family and friends. They’re popular, compassionate, sincere, and they like to avoid conflict and are sometimes seen as pushovers. Rabbits enjoy home and entertaining at home. Compatible with Goat or Pig.
Photo search for "lepus,europaeus" on Flickr.com:
The Dragon
Considered one of the powerful signs, those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dragon are energetic and warm-hearted, charismatic, lucky in love and egotistic. They’re natural born leaders, good at giving orders and doing what’s necessary to remain on top. Compatible with Monkey and Rat.
The Snake
People born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Snake are seductive, gregarious, introverted, generous, charming, good with money, analytical, insecure, jealous, slightly dangerous, smart and they rely on gut feelings. They are hard-working and intelligent. Compatible with Rooster or Ox.
See more about Snakes
Photo search for "viperidae" on Flickr.com:
The Horse
People born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Horse love to roam free. They’re energetic, self-reliant, money-wise, and they enjoy traveling, love and intimacy. They are great at seducing, sharp-witted, impatient and sometimes seen as a drifter. Compatible with Dog or Tiger.
Photo search for "equine" on Flickr.com:
The Sheep (or Goat)
People born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Goat enjoy being alone with their thoughts. They are creative, thinkers, wanderers, unorganized, high-strung and insecure, and can be anxiety-ridden. They need lots of love, support and reassurance. Appearance is also important for them. Compatible with Pig or Rabbit.
Photo search for "ovis" on Flickr.com:
The Monkey
People born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Monkey thrive on having fun. They are energetic, upbeat, and good at listening but they lack self-control. They like being active and stimulated and enjoy pleasing themselves before trying to please others. They are heart-breakers, not good at long-term relationships, and have weak morals. Compatible with Rat or Dragon.
See more about Monkeys
Photo search for "Cercopithecidae" on Flickr.com:
The Rooster
People born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster are practical, resourceful, observant, analytical, straightforward, trusting, honest, perfectionists, neat and conservative. Compatible with Ox or Snake.
Photo search for "gallus" on Flickr.com:
The Dog
People born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dog are loyal, faithful, honest, distrustful, often guilty of telling white lies, temperamental, prone to mood swings, dogmatic, and sensitive. Dogs excel in business but have trouble finding mates. Compatible with Tiger or Horse.
Photo search for "dog" on Flickr.com:
The Pig (or Boar)
The Chinese have a high opinion of pigs. People born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Pig are extremely nice, good-mannered and tasteful. They are perfectionists who enjoy finer things but are not perceived as snobs. They enjoy helping others and are good companions until someone close crosses them, then look out! They are intelligent, always seeking more knowledge. Compatible with Rabbit or Goat.
Photo search for "Sus,scrofa" on Flickr.com:
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